After the recently concluded India- South Africa T20I series, India has set its sights on England and Ireland. The red ball team is preparing to face England, whereas the white ball team is looking to play two T20Is against Ireland.
India are set to play two T20 internationals against Ireland under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. The Men in Blue will play the first T20I on 26th June 2022 at The Village ground in Berline. Let’s look at the predicted XI for the Indian Team.
Openers: Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ishan Kishan did very well against South Africa in the home series. He was the highest scorer in the series with 206 runs to his name in 5 matches. The second-highest scorer (Heinrich Klassen) was almost 100 runs behind. Ishan would certainly be given a chance to test his skills on foreign soil. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad did not have a similar series as Ishan, he looked good in some matches and would also be given a start at least in one match against Ireland.
Middle-Order: Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson
The returnee, Suryakumar Yadav would be given a chance straight away as he needs practice due to being out for a significant amount of time now. Rahul Tripathi is also expectant of a place in the starting eleven given his great performance in the recently concluded Indian T20 League. In 14 matches, the Ranchi-born batter made 413 runs at an average of 37.55 and a strike rate of 158. Sanju Samson, who captained Rajasthan to the Indian T20 League final, has trained hard in the past few weeks after the 20-20 league ended. He too should make a part of the side in the middle-order.
All-Rounders: Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel
Hardik Pandya, the captain would certainly play. Deepak Hooda had an impressive Indian T20 campaign as well. In 16 matches, the all-rounder was able to make 451 runs as well as take one wicket. The Rohtak-born batting all-rounder could be given a game in Ireland to showcase his skill on the international stage.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is the vice-captain of the team, should lead the fast bowling department. Team would also like to give Umraan Malik a chance to be part of the playing XI. He wasn’t given a chance to showcase his ability against South Africa but is likely to play against Ireland. Besides, Yuzvendra Chahal should complete the playing XI.
