India has been searching for an Apex Cricket Council trophy since 2013. They lost won a trophy in the Champions Trophy that year. This time, with a new Captain in Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue were hoping for a change in fortune. However, the team could not realize their aim.
In the semi-finals in Adelaide on Thursday, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler smashed brilliant unbeaten half-centuries as England defeated India by 10 wickets to set up a final against Pakistan. Chasing 169 for victory, Hales smashed seven sixes in his innings of 86, and Buttler, who made 80, hit three in a spellbinding batting performance to help England reach the final in Melbourne on Sunday with four overs to spare.
These guys have been terrific performers for us: Rahul Dravid
There are several players over the age of 30 on the Indian team, including Rohit Sharma (35), Virat Kohli (34), Ravichandran Ashwin (36), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (32) and Mohammed Shami (32). It’s unclear whether these players will be available for the next 20-20 World Cup. After India’s loss to England, India coach Rahul Dravid was asked about the senior team’s “future in T20 cricket”.
“Well, it’s too early to talk about it right now just after a semifinal game. These guys have been terrific performers for us. Yeah, like you said, we have a couple of years to reflect on it. There’s some really good quality players here, so absolutely not the right time to talk about this stuff or think about this stuff right now. We’ll have enough games, enough matches as we go on ahead, and India will try and build and prepare for the next World Cup,” Dravid responded.
As for the game, Hardik Pandya’s 33-ball 63 led India to 168-6, but the total was insufficient for an inspired opening pair as England seeks their second T20 title after their 2010 triumph. Earlier, Pakistan beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the first semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The two giants will meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the 13th of November to fight for the crown.
