Virat Kohli comes out in Anushka Sharma's support, takes on trolls

New Delhi: Indian batting star Virat Kohli on Monday lashed out at social media trolls for targetting Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, saying that those who blame her for anything negative in his cricket career should be ashamed of themselves.

Kohli, who single-handedly powered India into the World Twenty20 semifinal with a hurricane 82-run knock against Australia last night, took to Twitter and Instagram to hit out at the trolls who take digs at his former girlfriend after every India match.

"Shame on those people who have been having a go at anushka for the longest time and connecting every negative thing to her. Shame on those people calling themselves educated," Kohli wrote.

"Shame on blaming and making fun of her when she has no control over what i do with my sport. If anything she has only motivated and given me more positivity. This was long time coming. Shame on these people that hide and take a dig.

"And i dont need any respect for this post. Have some compassion and respect her. Think of how your sister or girlfriend or wife would feel if someone trolled them and very conveniently rubbished them in public," he added.

Sharma has been subjected to trolling in the past as well, most notably after Kohli flopped in the ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia last year.