Kolkata, October 29: A social media trend on M.S. Dhoni calling it a day from international cricket ruffled a few feathers on Tuesday morning as his ardent fans weren't too pleased. A hashtag on Twitter #DhoniRetires got the fans talking as they soon came up with one saying #NeverRetireDhoni. 'Dhoni Retires' Hashtag Trends on Twitter, MS Dhoni Fans Share Funny Memes to Shut Down Former Indian Skipper’s Retirement Rumours!.

There was no truth to the hashtag though as it soon died down to ease the nerves of his aficionados. Dhoni has been away from the game since India lost to New Zealand in the semi-final in June. Chief selector M.S.K. Prasad said after India's team selection for the home Bangladesh series that they are looking to move ahead.

"We are moving on, we are very clear. Post World Cup we have been clear. We started backing (Rishabh) Pant and wanted to see him do well. He may not have had the best of matches but we are clear, we are focusing on him only," Prasad said after announcing the squads for the series against Bangladesh.

"We're looking at younger options after the World Cup, so you can understand our thought process. We definitely had a chat with Dhoni and he also endorses our view of backing youngsters." MS Dhoni Meets Shahbaz Nadeem, Ravi Shastri and Others in Team India Dressing Room Post Virat Kohli & Co.’s 3–0 Series Win Over South Africa; Netizens Excited on Seeing ‘Thala’!

But Ganguly had on Wednesday made it clear that whatever stand Dhoni has, it will be respected. "I don't know what's in his mind. India is very proud to have M.S. Dhoni. Till I am around everybody will be respected. Dhoni's achievements make India proud," Ganguly said about his former teammate.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2019 04:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).