Congress leader Shama Mohamed, who previously criticized Rohit Sharma’s fitness and captaincy, congratulated Team India after their Champions Trophy 2025 victory. Read about the controversy, Rohit’s response, and expert opinions.
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Shama Mohamed, Who Body-Shamed Rohit Sharma, Responds After India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Victory
India’s triumphant win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a moment of pride for the nation. However, amidst the celebrations, a controversy resurfaced involving Congress leader Shama Mohamed, who had recently criticized Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his fitness and leadership skills.
Shama faced backlash for body-shaming Rohit before the final, calling him “fat for a sportsperson” and labeling him an “unimpressive captain.” However, after India’s emphatic four-wicket win over New Zealand in the final, she took to social media to congratulate the team and praise Rohit’s performance.
This shift in stance has sparked debates on social media, with many questioning the sincerity of her congratulatory message. Let’s delve into the controversy, its impact on the cricketing world, and how Rohit Sharma responded both on and off the field.
India’s Commanding Victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India emerged as the unbeaten champions of the tournament, played across Pakistan and the UAE, by defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 252, the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, dominated the game, finishing the chase with an over to spare.
Rohit Sharma Leads from the Front
The Indian skipper played a captain’s knock, scoring a blistering 76 runs in the final, setting the tone for the chase. His innings silenced critics, proving once again why he remains one of the finest white-ball cricketers in the world.
Other key performances included:
- Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul – Crucial contributions that stabilized India’s chase.
- Varun Chakravarthy – A game-changing spell with his mystery spin.
Rohit’s on-field heroics were complemented by a tactical masterclass, as he rotated his bowlers efficiently and guided the team to victory.
Shama Mohamed’s Criticism and U-Turn
The Controversial Comments
Before the final, Shama Mohamed had taken to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Rohit Sharma, stating:
- He was “fat for a sportsperson.”
- His captaincy was “unimpressive.”
Her remarks drew severe backlash from cricket fans and experts, who accused her of body-shaming a player who has consistently delivered for India on the biggest stages.
Congratulatory Message After India’s Win
After India lifted the trophy, Shama took a different stance, praising the team and Rohit Sharma on X:
“Congratulations to #TeamIndia for their stupendous performance in winning the #ChampionsTrophy2025! Hats off to Captain @ImRo45 who led from the front with a brilliant 76, setting the tone for victory. @ShreyasIyer15 and @klrahul played crucial knocks, steering India to glory!”
This sudden change in tone raised eyebrows, with many calling out the apparent contradiction in her statements.
How Rohit Sharma Responded to the Criticism
On the Field
Rohit Sharma’s reply to his critics, including Shama Mohamed, was his bat. His aggressive knock in the final was a statement of intent, proving that form and fitness should be judged by performance rather than perception.
Post-Match Reaction
After India’s win, Rohit addressed the media, focusing on the team’s achievement rather than personal criticism. He said:
“I appreciate everyone who came to support us. The crowd has been amazing. Not our home ground, but they made it our home ground. Very satisfying win. From the beginning, our spinners delivered under pressure. KL Rahul showed great composure, finishing off the game for us. The overall batsmanship shown by all the players was special.”
Rohit did not directly respond to Shama Mohamed’s remarks, displaying professionalism and focus on India’s success.
Expert Opinions and Reactions
Shoaib Akhtar on the Controversy
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who had earlier criticized PCB’s absence from the final, commented on Rohit Sharma’s resilience:
“Rohit Sharma is a world-class player. Criticizing his fitness is unfair when he continues to perform at the highest level. His knock in the final was a captain’s innings, silencing all critics.”
Virat Kohli on India’s Triumph
Star batsman Virat Kohli reflected on the team’s journey and the contributions of young players:
“It’s been amazing. We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They’re stepping up and taking India in the right direction.”
Fans React on Social Media
Social media was flooded with reactions to Shama Mohamed’s comments and her sudden change of stance. While some accepted her congratulatory message, many fans called it an attempt to cover up her previous criticism.
The Impact of Body-Shaming in Sports
Shama Mohamed’s remarks have reignited the debate about body-shaming in sports. While fitness is essential, judging an athlete solely on their physique rather than their performance is an outdated mindset.
Instances of Similar Criticism in Cricket
- Inzamam-ul-Haq – Despite fitness concerns, he was one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen.
- Shane Warne – Criticized for his weight but remained one of cricket’s best bowlers.
Rohit Sharma’s case is another example of why performance should be the ultimate metric in sports.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 win is more than just another ICC title. It solidifies:
- Rohit Sharma’s leadership credentials.
- India’s dominance in white-ball cricket.
- The emergence of young players stepping up in pressure situations.
The victory also serves as a response to critics who doubted the team’s ability to win big tournaments after the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia.
A Win That Speaks Louder Than Words
Rohit Sharma and Team India let their performance do the talking in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. While off-field controversies, including Shama Mohamed’s remarks, generated headlines, it was India’s relentless pursuit of excellence that stood out.
As debates continue over criticism and fitness standards in sports, one fact remains unchanged—champions are defined by their actions on the field, not opinions off it. Rohit Sharma proved just that, leading India to yet another historic ICC trophy.
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Last Updated on: Monday, March 10, 2025 11:44 am by Rahul Chourasia | Published by: Rahul Chourasia on Monday, March 10, 2025 11:44 am | News Categories: Sports
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