Rohit Sharma to Temba Bavuma: Seven popular cricketers who have been targets of body shaming
Sport is a place where physical brilliance is celebrated, but it has also been a place where body shaming has been allowed to breed and become normalised. Many cricketers have faced constant scrutiny for their build, size, shape and height. Sport has transformed to accept awareness around athletes’ wellness and mental-health issues but body shaming remains a stubborn stain on the game.
Gargi Raut
November 17, 2025 / 18:41 IST
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Temba Bavuma: The conversation around body shaming arose when South Africa’s captain and one of the most technically sound batters in contemporary cricket was referred to as a “dwarf” by Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The conversation was caught on the stump mic, but it is not the first time the batter has been subjected to bullying for his stature and physique. Bavuma’s case is a reminder to us all of how radicalised and demeaning language and phrases are still a part of the sporting setup. (AP Photo)
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Rohit Sharma: Take India’s own Rohit Sharma, for example. The former India captain and modern great hasn’t been spared either. He has been called “fat” and nick-named “vada pav” — a phrase that links him to his home city, Mumbai. A well-known politician, Shama Mohammad, too publicly body-shamed the Indian captain, at the time. Despite all this, Rohit’s professionalism and longevity have outlived any abuse thrown at him by critics and overshadowed any lazy jokes about his weight. (AP Photo)
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Prithvi Shaw: The young man was once hailed as India’s next batting prodigy. He has faced unending commentary about his weight. A young athlete facing unrelenting comments about the way he looks can have long-term effects on a developing mind and the negative effects can be long lasting. Recently, Prithvi Shaw said in an interview with Cricbuzz: “I’m scared to share my thoughts in public, it always lands up on social media the next day.” (PTI Photo)
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Sarfaraz Khan: A domestic batting giant, young Sarfaraz Khan has been subject to body shaming all his career. He boasts outstanding domestic numbers, but repeatedly, fans on social media have questioned his physique and match fitness, overlooking the performances he has been putting in on the domestic circuit. (BCCI Photo)
Inzamam-ul-Haq: One of greatest batters from Pakistan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, was regularly mocked as “aaloo (potato)”. While many think that they say it in jest and that it has no implications, it is unintentionally reducing his illustrious career to a joke.
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Rahkeem Cornwall: Rahkeem Cornwall is another example, his case being one of curiosity on social media, rather than a skilled cricketer. Cornwall’s size has been discussed far more than the cricketer’s bowling or batting.
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Azam Khan: Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan, has endured similar body shaming taunts due to his weight. (Source: Pakistan Super League)
