Keshav Banerjee, former India captain MS Dhoni’s childhood coach has asked the fans to not go by the rumors on social media and mentioned that Dhoni might play for India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, to be hosted in the country.

The wicket-keeper batsman has not worn the India jersey since July 2019, when New Zealand knocked the Men in Blue out of the World Cup in England and the rumors of his retirement became stronger and stronger.

With the impending postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020 to be played in Australia and deferment of IPL 2020, Thala’s fans saw the hope of his return to the cricket field dimming with every news and rumor. However, his coach feels that when the time comes Dhoni will follow the proper procedure to say goodbye.

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"Dhoni is not the kind of person who will call up people and tell them 'I am retiring'. He knows how to do it. When he will feel it is time, he will inform BCCI and call a proper press conference and do all the things that need to be done. Like he did when he called time on his Test career," Banerjee told IANS

"You don't go by social media. There are many things that become 'trends' but end up as fake news. I don't know why people are after Dhoni. I know him well and I can tell you, he will let all of us know when he thinks he has to retire," Banerjee added.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the BCCI to postpone the IPL 2020, which would have been an audition for MS Dhoni to show the selectors how fit he was and what his batting form was. "You will get to see in the IPL how fit Dhoni still is. He can play the T20 World Cup even if it is postponed. Even if it happens next year," Banerjee maintained.

(IANS inputs)