World Cup: Indian players 'stranded' in Manchester after sudden exit

The players are set to be mere spectators till Sunday.

It wasn't meant to pan out the way it did. At least that is the general feeling in the Indian camp after the loss to New Zealand at Old Trafford on Wednesday. And the sudden exit has in fact left the Indian players "stranded" as the players are set to be mere spectators till Sunday.
Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said that while tickets were being arranged for, most of the players were expected to be in Manchester till Sunday.
"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," the source said.

The World Cup final is scheduled to be held on the same day between hosts England and New Zealand. England knocked out defending champions Australia on Thursday.

Earlier, there was speculation that some Indian players will take a break after a gruelling seven weeks on the road during the World Cup.

All eyes will be on Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is expected to lay out his future plans upon return amid speculation that he might retire from international cricket.

It is learnt that the 38-year-old will leave for his hometown Ranchi after arriving in Mumbai.

The wicketkeeper-batsman had an average World Cup, scoring a 50 in the semifinal loss, which is being considered his last outing in national colours.

The former captain, who led India to two world titles (the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup), has been facing severe criticism for his waning finishing skills with the bat.

Skipper Virat Kohli has, however, refrained from making any statement on the senior player's future.

"He hasn't told us anything," was Kohli's response to a query on Dhoni's future after the loss to New Zealand.

• ICC World Cup 2020