In 2018, a depleted Indian cricket team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the Nidahas Trophy final in Sri Lanka. The thrilling victory against Bangladesh will be remembered for two things; Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock and Vijay Shankar's struggles. While the former turned the tide in India's favour with a stunning batting display, the latter's sluggish innings almost cost his side the game and trophy. 

Following India's emphatic triumph, while Karthik was being hailed for his batting prowess, Shankar became the subject of immense criticism on social media. Since that match, a lot has changed, for one, Shankar has improved in his role as a potent all-rounder. But cricket fans still won't let poor Shankar catch a break.

© Reuters

Every time he comes on to bat or sprints in to bowl, social media trolls patiently wait for the Indian all-rounder to stutter in a bid to take a dig at him. More recently, something similar came to the fore when the 28-year-old shared a picture of his body transformation on social media.

The sweat, the time, the devotion.
It pays off! #TransformationTuesday pic.twitter.com/oSyNWvMmVJ

— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) October 15, 2019

Taking to Twitter, Shankar tweeted a collage of his before and after photos, with his chiselled physique in full display. "The sweat, the time, the devotion. It pays off!," he captioned the tweet.

In a team led by captain Virat Kohli, the focus on fitness has become an important aspect which has allowed Team India to improve their efficiency on the field. While the body transformation of Shankar should've met with praise and respect, social media trolls, once again, used it as an opportunity to fire pot-shots at the Indian all-rounder.

Bhai tune cricket me talent dikhana hai bollywood me nahi

— Swagshankð¥ (@zZoker) October 16, 2019

get a tattoo you will be in the Captain's radar!!

— reddy (@reddy_rf) October 15, 2019

So much efforts for removing the zipper? ð¤·ð»‍âï¸

— Pranav. (@pranavkudav) October 16, 2019

World cup mein mushkil se 30 run banaye honge aur Chala body dikhane.

— unknown (@unknownentity73) October 15, 2019

Bhai cricketing stats badhe ki nahi wo important hai

— Hritik Pawar (@hritikpawar123) October 16, 2019

Ok but what about the batting skills?
You were India's no 4 batsman once upon a time

— spidey (@Parsho33) October 15, 2019

Bodybuilding kar bhai. Cricket tere jaise mindless logo ke liye nahi hai.

— Piyush Sharma (@PiyushS24196569) October 16, 2019

Still you can't hit huge sixes ðð

— à¤à¤¯ ð¨ï¸ (@i_am_jaypaul) October 15, 2019