In an X (formerly Twitter) post that has since been removed, Mohamed referred to Sharma as “fat for a sportsman” and the “most unimpressive Captain India has ever had.”
Sharma’s 15 runs off of 17 balls during India’s triumph over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sparked the issue.
Mohamed’s comparison of Sharma with former captains stirs controversy
When Mohamed made unfavorable comparisons between Sharma and former Indian cricket captains Saurav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli, the controversy took a new turn. A Pakistan-based sports journalist came to Sharma’s defense, calling him a “mighty effective and world-class performer.”
To this, Mohamed asked what was “world-class” about Sharma compared to his predecessors.
BJP criticizes Mohamed’s remarks, Congress distances itself
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed Mohamed’s remarks. Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari asked if the Congress expects Rahul Gandhi to play cricket.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the comments “deeply shameful” and “outright pathetic,” claiming they belittle athletes’ hard work.
Amid the row, an old post by Mohamed from 2018 resurfaced where she slammed Kohli for his reply to a fan who liked English and Australian batsmen over Indians.
Mohamed’s approach to Kohli In 2018, Kohli said that “those who prefer English and Australian batsmen should not live in India,” responding to a fan.
In response, Mohamed wrote on X: “Virat Kohli plays a British invented game, makes crores from endorsing foreign brands, got married in Italy, names Hershelle Gibbs his favourite cricketer and Angelique Kerber the best tennis player, but tells those who love foreign batsmen to leave India.”
Mohamed highlights old post by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut
In retaliation to criticism from BJP leaders, Mohamed highlighted an old post by Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut using derogatory language against cricketers.
This was in response to Sports Minister Mandaviya’s disapproval of her remarks on Sharma.
The incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding public figures’ comments on athletes, especially when they verge on personal attacks.