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‘Go To Modelling…’: Sunil Gavaskar Backs Rohit Sharma Over Fat-Shaming Controversy

Aakash Saini

Sunil Gavaskar and Rohit Sharma [Source: @_FaridKhan, @devarata_raisar/x]Sunil Gavaskar and Rohit Sharma [Source: @_FaridKhan, @devarata_raisar/x]

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Sunil Gavaskar has backed Indian captain Rohit Sharma after the latter was subjected to alleged ‘fat-shaming’ remarks from a Congress spokesperson. The former Indian cricketer emphasised the importance of on-fielding performance and mental pressure over physical size instead.

It is worth noting that Sharma was recently described as the “most unimpressive Indian captain” by Congress politician Shama Mohamed. However, she later defended her remarks by saying that she only expressed her opinion over “fitness of sportspersons”.

Sunil Gavaskar backs Rohit Sharma

While speaking on India Today, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar urged the fitness critics of national skipper Rohit Sharma to go to a “modelling competition” to take a gander at “slim guys”. Moreover, Gavaskar also added that cricket is all about “mental strength” and on-field performance and a player’s “size” has nothing to do with it.

The cricketer-turned-commentator further recalled his past defense of young Indian Test star Sarfaraz Khan, who previously faced similar criticisms over his fitness. Sunil Gavaskar said:

“I have always said, if you want only slim guys, then you should go to a modelling competition and pick all the models. It's not about that. It's about how well you can play cricket. We talked about Sarfaraz Khan, he was vilified for a long time because he was on the heavier side. But if he scores 150 for India in a Test match and follows it up with another two or three fifty-plus scores, then what's the issue?”


“I don't think size has anything to do with it. It's your mental strength —whether you can last the distance—that's the most important thing. Bat well, bat for long, and score runs.”

Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad also defended the legendary Indian opener over the latest fat-shaming remarks made by Shama Mohamed.

Nonetheless, under the leadership of Sharma, Team India reached the finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by defeating Australia in Dubai.