World Cup 2019: No return tickets for Team India after semi-final exit?

The Indian cricket team, which lost in the semifinals of the ongoing World Cup, will head home on Sunday. The side went down by 18 runs to New Zealand in its last-four stage clash, which lasted two days owing to inclement weather in Manchester. "All players have dispersed. They will assemble in London tomorrow. On 14th everyone is returning together from London. They will arrive in Mumbai," a BCCI source told PTI.

The logistic planning went for a toss after India’s exit from the World Cup on Wednesday. The BCCI tried its best but the tickets could not be arranged on time and as per reports it will only arranged on or after Sunday, July 14 - the day England and New Zealand will play in the World Cup final at Lord’s.

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. 

(With Inputs: PTI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• India suffered 18-run loss against New Zealand. 
• India will play their next series against West Indies. 
• India won seven out of nine World Cup games.