India’s T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has strongly defended Rohit Sharma amidst a heated debate over the Indian skipper’s fitness and leadership capabilities ahead of the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on March 9, 2025.
The controversy began after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed criticized Rohit Sharma in a now-deleted tweet, calling him “fat for a sportsman” and labeling him “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.” Her remarks went viral, sparking widespread backlash from cricket fans and politicians, who accused her of body-shaming and undermining Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket.
Addressing the controversy, Suryakumar praised Rohit’s leadership and work ethic. “If you see him as a captain, in the last four years, he has taken the team to the finals of four ICC trophies. That’s a big achievement. He has been playing cricket for 15-20 years, and I’ve seen him work very hard. According to me, he is at the top,” said Suryakumar. He expressed confidence in Rohit’s leadership ahead of the final and wished him success.
When asked about India’s approach to the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, Suryakumar emphasized maintaining consistency. “We are playing good cricket. If we continue playing the same way, then the final is just another game,” he remarked.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been under scrutiny in recent times despite his achievements. However, players like Suryakumar have consistently highlighted his ability to inspire and support teammates during challenging moments. As India gears up for the high-stakes final, the team seems united under Rohit’s captaincy.