Team India will take on Ireland in a two-match T20I series this month. The games will happen on the 26th and 28th of June. BCCI, on Wednesday, announced the squad for the series. Hardik Pandya will lead the side while Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be his deputy. VVS Laxman will be the Head Coach of this side. On that note, in this article, we predict India’s playing XI for the T20I series against Ireland.
India’s squad for the Ireland T20I series: Hardik Pandya (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (VC), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, R Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Umran Malik.
Openers: Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the openers in India’s playing XI for the T20I series against Ireland. Both the youngsters have been in fine form in recent games. Hence, they are likely to continue in their positions.
If India needs a replacement, they can rely on Rahul Tripathi, who has been selected for the team. However, since it is a two-game series, Ishan and Ruturaj are likely to feature.
Middle-Order: Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav and Dinesh Karthik (WK)
It will be a strong middle-order for this XI. With Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant likely to be in the Test Team, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav will replace them. Both SKY and Sanju are excellent T20 batters and hence, India will have no issues at No.3 and No.4.
Dinesh Karthik will operate in this XI for the Ireland series, as well. He is good against pace, something that will be very useful in the conditions in Ireland. He is likely to take the place behind the stumps from Pant for this series.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel will be the all-rounders in India’s playing XI for the T20I series against Ireland. All-rounder Hardik Pandya will captain India for the first time ever. He will be expected to bowl a few overs, as well.
Axar Patel will be useful if there is bounce off the pitch. Hence, he is likely to play in the two games against Ireland. India also has the option of Ravi Bishnoi, if needed.
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal
It will be the same pace attack for India that is playing in the ongoing South Africa series. While Bhuvneshwar has been appointed as the vice-captain, Harshal Patel will assume a more responsible role at the death.
Avesh Khan will provide the pace for this attack while Yuzi, as usual, will lead the spin attack. India also has a good backup in the form of Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
