Dinesh Lad

, who coached Rohit Sharma during his early years, has spoken out against

fat-shaming

comments directed at the Indian captain, stating they harm the nation's image.
The controversy emerged when Congress spokesperson

Shama Mohamed

made inappropriate remarks about Rohit during India's Champions Trophy final Group A match against New Zealand in Dubai.
"Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had," Shama wrote in a post on X which she later deleted following a backlash.
The incident escalated into a significant controversy, prompting the Congress party to instruct Shama to delete her social media post about Rohit.

"A cricketer who is doing so well for the nation, under whom the team is playing very well. Such comments against that player are not at all good. By this, you are also damaging the country's image. This is really shameful," Lad told IANS.
In the ongoing tournament, Rohit has scored 76 runs in three innings, while his teammates Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer have each achieved half-centuries.
India secured a 44-run victory against New Zealand, with Varun Chakaravarthy claiming five wickets. The win placed India at the top of Group A.
India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. New Zealand will compete against South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.