The 3-T20I series in Ireland isn’t a lucrative or marquee series for Indian fans. But those 3 matches in Ireland will be crucial for a number of players, not least Jasprit Bumrah, who is likely to make his return to international cricket through the Ireland series.
It has also been reported that among the many youngsters in the squad, the name of Rinku Singh could be seen as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel wants to give youngsters who have impressed in the IPL an opportunity to showcase their abilities for India.
India are scheduled to play 3 T20Is in Ireland on August 18, 20, and 23.
Jasprit Bumrah might captain India in Ireland T20Is
Reports are even suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah could even captain the team in Ireland, because the selectors may plan to give a rest to Hardik Pandya in view of the ODI workload coming up. Hardik Pandya has been leading the T20I team since last year’s T20 World Cup as Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, have been rested from all T20Is.
Amongst the youngsters are likely to feature Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh. Jitesh Sharma would have to further wait for a call-up as Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are expected to be the two wicket-keepers on the tour.
“Rinku and other players who did well in the IPL will fly to Ireland as the selection committee doesn’t want to try everyone at one stage,” a BCCI source told Indian Express.
This group of youngsters could also make the Asian Games in September-October where the BCCI will be sending a second-string side, which reportedly will be led by Shikhar Dhawan.
Further, a number of discarded players could make their comeback to the Indian team for the T20I series.
India’s probable squad for Ireland T20Is: Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Rahul Tripathi, Washington Sundar, Deepak Hooda, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Mohit Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik
