TMC MP backs Congress leader's 'fat' remark on Rohit Sharma
What's the story
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Sougata Ray has supported Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed's controversial comments on Team India captain Rohit Sharma.
Mohamed had slammed Sharma on social media during the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match, calling him "fat for a sportsman" and "the most unimpressive captain India has ever had."
Backing controversy
TMC MP Ray supports Mohamed's criticism of Sharma
Ray backed Mohamed's assessment, saying Sharma's performance has been poor and that "India wins because the other players play well, but the captain doesn't contribute."
He agreed with Mohamed, saying, "What Shama Mohamed has said is correct."
The Congress party had earlier distanced itself from Mohamed's comments, saying her remarks do not reflect the party's position.
Party stance
Congress distances itself from Mohamed's remarks
Congress leader Pawan Khera said that Mohamed was asked to delete her posts and advised to exercise greater caution in the future.
Reacting to her now-deleted tweet, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "Those who have lost 90 elections under the captaincy of Rahul Gandhi are calling the captaincy of Rohit Sharma unimpressive!"
Captaincy achievements
Sharma's leadership record and fan reactions
Sharma, who is known for his aggressive batting, became Team India captain in 2023.
Under his captaincy, India lifted the T20 World Cup last year and two Asia Cup trophies earlier.
He also has a successful record as captain of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the team to five IPL wins.