India had a bitter T20I series setback at the hands of West Indies. Now they are ready for redemption as they embark on a three-match T20I series against Ireland. The action kicks off with the first match scheduled in Dublin on Friday.
Revamped Indian Squad Steps In
India strides into this series with a revamped squad, a stark contrast from their lineup in the West Indies tour. The return of Jasprit Bumrah, following his recovery from injury, adds firepower to the squad. This fresh ensemble shows the ascendancy of IPL luminaries such as Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma, who have earned their stripes.
The resurgence of Shivam Dube, impressive across the past two IPL seasons, and the anticipated brilliance of debutantes Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, who made a splash in the Caribbean, further embellished India’s team. Prasidh Krishna, emerging from an injury, rejoins the fold, adding another layer of potency to the pace attack.
Ireland’s Steadfastness and Rising Stars
On the opposite side, Ireland readies a full-strength lineup led by the seasoned Paul Stirling. The experienced Andrew Balbirnie and George Dockrell lend solidity, while the exuberant trio of Harry Tector, Joshua Little, and Curtis Campher infuses youthful dynamism. Ireland showcased commendable competitiveness in their previous tussles with India in T20Is, and they are poised to replicate the same fervor in this three-match series.
The Expected Lineups
Ireland’s probable XI:
Paul Stirling (C), Gareth Delany, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Benjamin White, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy.
India’s Probable XI:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact Players
Harry Tector shines as a pivotal middle-order batsman, showcasing his mettle against India. With an impressive aggregate of 103 runs across two games, including a stellar 68*, Tector’s strike rate 168.85 underscores his prowess.
Tilak Varma emerges as a driving force, building on his impressive debut in the Caribbean. Varma’s notable tally of 173 runs in the five T20Is against West Indies, coupled with an average of 57.66 and a strike rate of 140.65, amplifies his potential.
Match Prediction
Ireland’s abundant talent is set to shine through as they field their strongest XI. Buoyed by recent form, they promise to pose a formidable challenge. Meanwhile, India presents a relatively inexperienced lineup. However, the favorable batting conditions in Ireland could provide a platform for these young talents to shine. Given the familiarity of these players with the intensity of IPL competition, India, despite their lack of experience, enters as slight favorites to secure victory and commence their redemption journey on a positive note.
