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The upcoming three-match T20I series between Ireland and India, set to commence on Friday (August 18), carries significance for both teams with distinct aspirations. While India views this series as an opportunity to experiment with their squad and offer valuable game time to emerging players, Ireland are determined to upset the odds and demonstrate their capabilities on the global stage.
For India, the series serves as a chance to assess the depth of their talent pool and provide exposure to players who have been on the fringes of the national team. With many of their regular players resting after the recent 3-2 series defeat against West Indies, the Indian squad will feature a younger and relatively inexperienced lineup.
Jasprit Bumrah to captain the Men in Blue
At the top of the order, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to lead the batting charge. Both players have showcased their potential in domestic and franchise cricket, and this series offers them a platform to establish their presence in the international arena.
In the middle order, the likes of Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson provide options for India. Samson, having previously faced Ireland in T20Is, brings valuable experience to the batting unit, and his performance will be closely watched.
The all-rounders in the squad, including Washington Sundar and Shivam Dubey, add balance to the team with their dual skills of batting and bowling. Their versatility enhances India’s strategy as they look to build a well-rounded unit capable of adapting to various game situations.
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As far as the bowling is concerned, India are set to rely on a quartet of specialist bowlers, which might limit their batting contributions.
The spin department will be spearheaded by Ravi Bishnoi, the primary tweaker in the squad, who will play a crucial role in leading the spin attack. The return of Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna will bolster the pace attack, with Arshdeep Singh, completing the bowling lineup.
While Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan remain potential contenders, they are expected to rank lower in the hierarchy behind the established trio of Bumrah, Krishna and Arshdeep. Their inclusion will likely hinge on the team’s tactical considerations and game scenarios.
India’s best XI for the T20I series against Ireland:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dubey, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh
India’s T20I squad for the Ireland series:
Jasprit Bumrah (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan.
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