After losing a 5-match T20I series for the first time, Team India’s next assignment will be the three-match T20I series against Ireland which will be played at Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin. The three matches will be played on August 18, 20, and 23.
This series will see India using their fringe players, especially the ones who did brilliantly in the IPL 2023 and see many new faces getting their much-deserved national team call-up as the BCCI selectors aim to build a new team for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Given that Asia Cup 2023 preparations are a priority, even regular T20I captain Hardik Pandya has been rested, while a returning Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side.
Keeping this in mind, here is the COC predicted Team India playing XI for the first T20I against Ireland.
Yashasvi Jaiswal made his T20I debut in West Indies and impressed in his second match itself, scoring a brisk fifty. He might be opening the innings here as well, with vice-captain for this series, Ruturaj Gaikwad partnering him at the top.
Another debutant on the West Indies tour, Tilak Varma impressed one and all with his ability to both stabilize the innings and accelerate at will.
While he had a poor outing in T20Is in the West Indies, Sanju Samson might get another chance to prove his worth with the bat. If he fails to do so, or the management feels it's time for new faces to be given a chance, which can be an opportunity for Jitesh Sharma.
As for the power hitters in the team, the team management might opt for two of the best from IPL 2023, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. Both had excellent outings with the bat and are aggressive players against both spin and pace.
Another player who will look to make his mark will be Washington Sundar, whose career has been marred by ill-timed injuries. He adds much to the Indian batting lineup and is excellent with the ball, capable of bowling with the new ball and in middle as well.
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The team management will have the choice to pick from Shahbaz Ahmed or Ravi Bishnoi as the second spinner. While Shahbaz gives another batting option, Bishnoi’s leg spin might come in handy against Irish batters.
The fast-bowling unit will comprise of returning Jasprit Bumrah, who will captain the side, and Prasidh Krishna. It will be exciting to see both of them back in action as they were out for almost one year and underwent surgery for back-related issues.
As for the third pacer, India has the choices of Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan to choose from.
COC Predicted Team India playing XI for the first T20I:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
