An image collage of Indian batting nice Sunil Gavaskar and incumbent skipper Rohit Sharma. — Reuters/File
Batting nice Sunil Gavaskar backed India skipper Rohit Sharma after a fat-shaming put up by an Indian politician, saying cricket is about talent not “modelling”.
Rohit’s India beat Australia within the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai however a social media touch upon the Indian captain’s body weight overshadowed the build-up.
Shama Mohamed, A spokeswoman for India’s opposition Congress get together, posted on X: “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!.”
Mohamed got here underneath hearth for the put up — later deleted — from media, pundits and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Occasion.
“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,” Gavaskar instructed India Immediately.
Gavaskar spoke about how Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan had additionally been “vilified” for his weight points, however mentioned it was performances that mattered.
“I don’t think size has anything to do with it,” mentioned Gavaskar.
“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 had beforehand been ridiculed for his seen “paunch” within the Indian Premier League however the 37-year-old has ignored his critics.
The swashbuckling opener hit a quickfire 28 within the first semi-final as India began their chase of 265 towards Australia earlier than Virat Kohli arrange victory together with his 84.
Each Rohit and Kohli had been lately criticised for his or her lack of runs in Check cricket and got here into the 50-over match with retirement rumours swirling.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned that Rohit at all times units the tone for India’s batting, no matter the runs he scores.
“If your captain bats with such a tempo, it just gives a very good signal to the dressing room that we want to be absolutely fearless and courageous,” Gambhir mentioned when requested about Rohit’s type.
“You evaluate from the runs. We evaluate from the impact. That’s the difference.”
India will meet both South Africa or New Zealand within the last on Sunday in Dubai.
