BJP vs Congress on Rohit Sharma? Is it necessary before champions Trophy semi final, let the Boys focus on...

IND vs AUS Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: A political controversy has erupted just before the much-anticipated India vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed recently criticised Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, calling him "fat and an unimpressive captain." This remark has sparked outrage, with the BJP slamming it as body shaming and disrespectful. As political debates heat up, many believe the focus should remain on cricket rather than politics.

Mansukh Mandaviya Criticises Shama Mohamed’s Comment

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya strongly condemned Shama Mohamed’s remarks, urging political parties to keep Indian cricket out of unnecessary controversies. He emphasised that Rohit Sharma and his team need full support ahead of the IND vs AUS Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final rather than distractions.

Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives.

Remarks made by leaders from these parties, indulging in body shaming and questioning an athlete’s place in the team, are not only deeply shameful but also outright…

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 3, 2025

Posting on social media platform X, Mandaviya stated, "Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives. Remarks made by leaders from these parties, indulging in body shaming and questioning an athlete’s place in the team, are not only deeply shameful but also outright pathetic. Such comments undermine the hard work and sacrifices that our sportspersons make to represent the country on the global stage."

Congress Leader Hits Back, Targets Kangana Ranaut

Responding to Mandaviya, Shama Mohamed hit back at the BJP, citing an old tweet by Kangana Ranaut, now a BJP MP. She questioned why BJP remained silent when Kangana criticised Rohit Sharma in the past.

What does @mansukhmandviya have to say to @KanganaTeam ! #JustAsking pic.twitter.com/YwM85HP6sV

— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) March 3, 2025

During the 2021 farmers’ protests, Rohit Sharma had called for peaceful dialogue. In response, Kangana Ranaut had posted a derogatory comment about him, which has since been deleted. Bringing up this past incident, Shama Mohamed wrote on X, "What does Mansukh Mandaviya have to say about Kangana's remarks? Just asking!"

TMC Joins the Political Debate

Adding to the controversy, TMC leader Saugata Roy supported Shama Mohamed’s remarks. He argued that BJP’s response was selective and politically motivated. With Indian politics now entangled in a sports debate, the focus on cricket is getting overshadowed.

Focus Should Be on IND vs AUS Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final

As political parties clash, the real focus should be on the IND vs AUS Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final. Scheduled to take place in Dubai on Tuesday, this match is crucial for Team India’s chances of securing a spot in the final.

Australia, known for its dominance in ICC tournaments, will pose a tough challenge. Players like Travis Head could once again be a game-changer, as seen in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, where his performance led to India’s defeat in Ahmedabad.

Even veteran Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik acknowledged this challenge. Speaking on the Sky Sports Podcast with Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, he said, "Earlier, New Zealand was India's toughest knockout opponent. But right now, it is Australia."