Tendulkar fans show grief on his retirement on Facebook, Twitter

With Sachin Tendulkar announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), there was a mad scramble among his legions of fans on social networking sites. Many seemed heartbroken while some urged the master batsmen to reconsider the decision.

A downcast fan wrote on Tendulkar's Facebook fan page: "No IPL without Sachin."

Another Tendulkar follower posted: "We will miss you God."

But there were others who wanted the master blaster to return to the 22-yard action in next year's IPL.

"I heartily request you Sachin that I want to see u in IPL 7. Hope you will play for us again," said a Mumbai Indians admirer.

Twitterati too joined in paying tributes to the batting legend.

"Sachin Tendulkar retires From IPL. You can never retire from my heart. I will miss seeing you play," tweeted a fan.

Shortly after the Mumbai Indians lifted the IPL title for the first time handing a 23-run defeat to the Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens Sunday, Tendulkar said: "This is my last IPL. I had taken the decision before the start of the tournament. This is the perfect time to say thank you to my supporters and well-wishers."

Tendulkar got a grand send-off as he was lifted by his teammates before the customary victory lap.

"We have to be realistic about it. I've played six seasons with the Mumbai Indians and I have completely enjoyed it. This was the best season for Mumbai Indians. I think this is the right time to stop playing the IPL. I am 40. Got to accept it."