Shreyas Iyer walked back into T20 international cricket after 936 days and, first up, won the toss in Belfast. The new skipper sent Ireland in, explaining to the host broadcaster: “We’re comfortable chasing; the surface looks good and our line-up enjoys a target.” India, winners of the last two T20 World Cups, are already talking – without much fuss – about a possible three-peat.
That ambition keeps the champions’ XI intact, so 15-year-old seamer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains on the fringes for now. Iyer was quick to reassure reporters: “He’s an exciting lad, but we’ll ease him in at the right moment.”
Ireland also start a fresh chapter. Lorcan Tucker, leading the side for the first time, admitted he would have preferred to chase. “T20 can flip quickly, but if we post well we’ll back our bowlers,” he said moments after Iyer’s call. Two of those bowlers are on debut – right-arm quicks Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard – both rewarded for eye-catching spells in the domestic season. Coach Heinrich Malan backed the move, noting “genuine pace and clear minds” are exactly what Ireland have missed against top sides.
The head-to-head record emphasises the size of their task: eight meetings with India, eight defeats, though Stormont has produced the odd scare. Early summer conditions – a damp outfield and a bit of nip – may offer encouragement again.
India’s batting starts with Sanju Samson and left-hand pair Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Iyer form the middle, with all-round spin options Axar Patel and Washington Sundar adding depth. Arshdeep Singh partners Prasidh Krishna up front, while Harshit Rana is on hand for brisk middle-overs bursts.
Teams
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
Ireland: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (capt & wk), Ben Calitz, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Jai Moondra, Matt Hollard.
First ball is due at 3 pm local time. A passing shower is possible, yet both camps expect a full match – and a lively one if the ball keeps talking early on.
