Scheduled for August 18th at The Village in Dublin, the first T20I match between Ireland and India holds promises of fireworks and intense action. With the local time set at 03:00 PM and for India, it is 07:30 PM, India and Ireland are all set for a thrilling encounter.
The Village in Dublin, renowned for witnessing five 200-plus totals in T20Is, sets the stage for an engaging battle. India has notched up three such totals on this venue, with one of them recorded just last June. The pitch historically favours batsmen, offering a plethora of runs for the taking.
In a remarkable turn of events, Jasprit Bumrah, after less than six months since his back surgery in Christchurch, has made a triumphant comeback to the cricketing arena.
The long journey of recuperation, marked by rest, recovery, and rehabilitation, has reached its conclusion as the BCCI’s social media channels offered a glimpse of a resurgent Bumrah in full flow during the nets session on the eve of the first Ireland fixture.
With fiery bouncers and yorkers that had batters ducking and hopping, the 29-year-old speedster signalled his return not just with prowess but also by taking up the mantle of leadership for the upcoming three-match series, commencing on Friday.
The Indian side boasts the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, who showcased their mettle in the recent series against the West Indies. Despite not clinching the series victory, their performances indicated a promising future.
As the action shifts to Dublin, these young talents aim to carry their momentum forward. Additionally, the first T20I could serve as the platform for Rinku Singh, one of IPL 2023’s shining stars, to make his debut for the national team.
The likes of Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma seek to translate their IPL 2023 successes into a coveted India debut, Bumrah’s return undoubtedly adds an edge to the squad, much like Tilak Varma’s recent impactful debut.
Parallel to India’s journey of transformation, the hosts, Ireland, too, have undergone a shift in leadership. The experienced campaigner, Paul Stirling, assumes the mantle of captaincy.
Following their heartbreak at the ODI World Cup qualifiers, which prompted Andrew Balbirnie to step down as captain, Ireland’s resilience propelled them to secure a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The squad for the India games is peppered with players who contributed to the qualification feat. Notably, Joshua Little, who showcased his mettle for the runners-up Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023, adds depth to the Irish roster.
As the stage is set for an enthralling clash between Ireland and India, cricket enthusiasts can expect a riveting contest brimming with talent, determination, and the promise of unforgettable moments.
With Bumrah’s return, Ireland’s return, and the allure of The Village’s historic setting, this T20 series promises to be a spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
IRE vs IND 1st T20I: Playing XI
Ireland Squad: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, Benjamin White
India Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar
