Updated 3 March 2025 at 18:56 IST

'Her Statement Is Wrong': Rohit Sharma’s Childhood Mentor Slams Congress Politician For Insulting Remarks

Rohit Sharma's childhood coach Dinesh Lad lambasts Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed for 'fat-shaming' the skipper of the Indian National Cricket Team.

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Rohit Sharma, Coach Dinesh Lal
Rohit Sharma, Coach Dinesh Lal | Image: AP Photo, Republic TV [Screengrab]

Dinesh Lad, the man who coached India skipper Rohit Sharma during his early years as a cricketer, has slammed Indian National Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed over her derogatory remarks on the India skipper. The former cricketer and Dronacharya Awardee claimed that the comments from the INC politician were wrong, and it was not fair to insult the India skipper in that way, given that he has won so many trophies and titles for the country.

Rohit Sharma's Childhood Coach Hits Back At INC Spokesperson

A massive controversy erupted involving Rohit Sharma after Congress leader Shama Mohamed tweeted disparaging remarks about the Indian captain. Rohit, who has led Team India in ODIs and Test cricket, recently completed the Champions Trophy group stage undefeated by conquering New Zealand by 44 runs. The INC spokesperson went to the extent of claiming that the T20 World Cup-winning skipper was the most unimpressive captain Team India ever had. Amid the furore, Rohit Sharma's childhood coach Dinesh Lad has lambasted Shama Mohamed for Body-shaming the Indian skipper.

"She said what she had to say. If he was unfit or fat, he wouldn't have been able to play cricket so far. He is still playing and is performing well. Nowadays he is getting out early but the reason for it is different. He wants to give a good start to the team. If he wants, he can make a 100-run stand and stay till 50 overs in every game. He wants to give a good start for the upcoming batters in the game. Her statement that he is unfit and his captaincy is not good is wrong.

"I will not get involved in politics, but the way Shama Mohamed has given the statement is wrong. Rohit is the highest run-getter in T20s and the five centuries he made in the 2019 World Cup, then the three double centuries, which is a world record. Rohit scored a ton on his debut in test cricket and he has also won the IPL five times. How can you say that Rohit's captaincy is not right or he is unfit? The statement is wrong," Coach Dinesh Lad said while speaking to Republic TV.

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Coach Dinesh Lad added that while it is her personal decision to apologize for the controversial remarks, but what Shama Mohamed had said was insulting.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: Harshit Rana's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign Likely To End, Big Selection Headache For India Ahead

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BCCI Secretary Condemns Shama Mohamed's Insulting Remark

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has taken notice of the comments made by Congress leader Shama Mohamed, and he has condemned by saying that it is unfortunate for a responsible person to make such a frivolous remark when the team is currently competing in such an important ICC tournament.

"Very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment when the team is in the midst of such a marquee ICC tournament. It may have demoralizing effect on an individual or the team," Devajit Saikia said, as quoted by PTI.

After remaining undefeated in the group stage, Team India will be in action at the Champions Trophy Semifinal on Tuesday, March 04, 2025, where they will face off against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium in the UAE.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Depleted Australia vs Mighty India, Who Wins The Semis? Here's IND vs AUS Head-To-Head In ODIs

Published By : Pavitra Shome

Published On: 3 March 2025 at 18:56 IST