Dravid opens up about future of Kohli, Sharma after India exit T20 World Cup

ADELAIDE: India head coach Rahul Dravid has opened up on the future of skipper Rohit Sharma and batter Virat Kohli after the Men in Blue exited from the T20 World Cup 2022 following a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to England at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Put to bat first, India posted a modest 168 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to half-centuries from Virat Kohli and all-rounder Hardik Pandya after a sluggish start to the game.

In reply, English openers, skipper Jos Buttler and Alex Hales smacked the Indian bowlers all over the park, scoring 80* and 86* respectively to guide their side to a comprehensive victory.

Meanwhile, after India got knocked out from the World Cup, the former batter was asked about the future of the two stars of the Indian cricket team.

"It's too early to talk about it, just after a semi-final game. These guys have been terrific performers for us. We've got a couple of years to reflect on it. These are some really quality players here. Not the right time to talk about or think about this stuff now. We'll have enough time, enough matches as we go on ahead and try to prepare for the next World Cup," Dravid said.

Following the semi-final clash, former England captain Michael Atherton said "India looked shell-shocked" and suggested a change at the top order of the Men in Blue. 

Rohit managed to bag 27 runs off 28 balls, while KL Rahul scored five runs from an equal number of deliveries.

"When you look at Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul go about it, they play orthodox cricket. They've got a brilliant player in Virat Kohli at number three of exactly the same type, which is why a lot of focus has fallen on Suryakumar Yadav, who plays a different type of game. At the end of this tournament, whether they will think about a slight change of approach at the top-order or it remains to be the same," Atherton said.

After being eliminated from the World Cup, India will head to New Zealand for a white-ball series, led by Hardik Pandya, as players like Rohit, Kohli, and KL Rahul have opted not to take part in the event.