Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at criticism of Rohit Sharma’s fitness, saying selectors should pick models if they are looking for ‘slim’ cricketers. Gavaskar, speaking to India Today, responded to the chatter around Rohit’s physique after Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed called him “fat for a sportsperson“.

Gavaskar has consistently maintained that physical fitness and match fitness can be two different things in a sport as unique as cricket. He reiterated his stance by citing examples of stocky cricketers who have excelled at the highest level.

“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?” Gavaskar said on Monday.

“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,” he added.

Gavaskar has been a vocal supporter of Sarfaraz Khan, who had to wait for his international debut. The Mumbai batter made the most of his opportunity in 2024, scoring 371 runs in six Tests, including a century and three fifties.

Gavaskar famously remarked that the length of a player’s waistline should not be equated with cricketing fitness.

Rohit Sharma, 37, remains one of the most dangerous batters in white-ball cricket. The India captain has been instrumental in providing the team with strong starts, particularly on tricky pitches in Dubai during the Champions Trophy.

He has also been widely credited with transforming India’s approach to white-ball cricket, leading from the front with an aggressive, fearless style. His strategy nearly paid off in the 2023 World Cup, where India dominated their opponents before falling to Australia in the final. However, his methods were ultimately vindicated when India lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2024.

Now, Rohit has another opportunity to add an ICC title to his glittering trophy cabinet. India, unbeaten in the Champions Trophy with victories over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, will face Australia in the semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, March 04.