Hurricane Warning Strands Indian Cricket Team in Barbados After World Cup Victory

A hurricane warning has left the triumphant Indian T20 World Cup team stranded in Barbados. The airport is shut down indefinitely due to the impending Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm expected to pass 80 miles off the south coast of Barbados on Sunday night.

The Indian team, currently staying at the Hilton Hotel, had planned to fly home on a chartered flight, but the closure of the airport since Sunday evening has disrupted their plans. South Africa managed to depart earlier on Sunday.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah mentioned that the board is planning a celebration for the victorious team once they return to India. “We are also stuck here. Once our travel plans are clear, we will organize the felicitation,” Shah told reporters.

New Head Coach for India Starting Sri Lanka Series

Shah announced that the Indian team will have a new head coach for the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka later this month, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is the leading candidate, with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) shortlisting Gambhir and former India women’s coach WV Raman.

“Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly,” Shah said. “The CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names, and after reaching Mumbai, we will finalize the decision. VVS Laxman will go to Zimbabwe, but a new coach will join for the Sri Lanka series.”

The Indian team is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs starting July 27.

Senior Players to Feature in Champions Trophy and World Test Championship

Shah also confirmed that senior players would be part of next year’s Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final if India qualifies. The decision on whether Hardik Pandya will succeed Rohit Sharma as the next T20I captain will be made by the selectors.

“The transition has started with the retirement of three greats,” Shah said, referring to the T20I retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. “Our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. The seniors will be there.”

India’s ODI assignments before the Champions Trophy include three games each against Sri Lanka (away), New Zealand (home), and England (home).

Praise for Rohit and Virat

Shah praised Rohit and Kohli for their match-winning performances in the final against South Africa, which India won by seven runs in Barbados. Both players, along with Jadeja, announced their retirement from T20Is following the victory.

“It was the same captain last year and here in Barbados. We won all games except the ODI World Cup final in 2023 against Australia. This time, we worked harder and played better to win the title,” Shah said. “Experience counts in World Cups. From Rohit to Virat, all excelled. Experience makes a big difference. A good player knows when to say goodbye, and we saw that yesterday.”

India, having lost major finals in the past decade, finally ended their title drought. Shah expressed hope that the winning streak would continue.

“I want India to win all titles. We have the biggest bench strength; only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if needed,” he said. “Our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. The seniors will be there.”

Regarding Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance and his captaincy potential, Shah said, “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors. Hardik had many questions over his form, but the selectors showed faith in him, and he proved himself.”

India’s next assignment is a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, beginning on July 6 in Harare, with Shubman Gill leading a side featuring many rested seniors. Shah also confirmed that an India A team will travel to Australia later in the year ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.