Team India stranded in the UK until World Cup final

The dream is over but the frustrating times are not. While India were outsmarted by New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, they were yet not in a position to return home, thanks to unavailability of immediate return tickets. The Men in Blue will have to now wait till the tournament gets over on July 14 as the final will be played at Lord’s between England and New Zealand. The Indian players will be headed to different directions from the UK but yet the team management’s failure in procuring the tickets immediately has left them stranded.

Going by India’s performance in the tournament, the fans had expected them to last till July 14 and lift the prestigious trophy at the iconic balcony after 36 years. But Kane Williamson’s resurgent side spoiled the plans and the wait for the third title extended by another four years. In 2023, India will host the World Cup in the subcontinent.

Frustrating for players who want to put the debacle behind

Staying back in the UK despite the exit from the World Cup will be frustrating for the players who will be looking to put the Manchester disappointment behind them. India next go to the West Indies for a full-fledged tour in August and they would like to start the process of re-energising their bodies and minds as early as possible.

“Most of the boys will be in Manchester till July 14 and leave from there. Tickets are being booked after the campaign came to an end yesterday,” Timesnownews.com quoted reports quoting a senior BCCI official as saying.

Captain Virat Kohli and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who had some demanding weeks at the World Cup, could be rested for the West Indies tour and some younger players can be tested as part of the team rebuilding process. In the meantime, the cricketing circles are curious to know what decision is taken by Mahendra Singh Dhoni over his career plans now that the World Cup is over.

The West Indies-India series will also see the conclusion of yet another glorious career – that of Chris Gayle who had a comparatively quiet outing at the World Cup.