World Cup or Indian Premier League? What is India’s greatest success story in cricket? Everyone will pick IPL. The pioneering franchise league has brought money and power to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). But the richest cricket body in the world has only translated that power off the pitch and not on the field. It has been 16 years since India lifted T20 World Cup. But with Ajit Agarkar at the helm of the selection committee, the squad for IND vs IRE shows a lot of promise. Selectors want to tap into the IPL on-field show and India vs Ireland will be the international platform for the likes of Rinku Singh to shine in.
The IPL performers will have three tournaments to prove their mettle. Following India vs Ireland, they will be in Asian Games 2023.
Also Read: India vs Ireland T20 series: Squads, Schedule, Timings, LIVE Streaming & Broadcasting details
After the World Cup 2023 break, they will get another go against Australia in the 5-match T20 series. Post that, on South Africa tour, the real preparations will begin.
IPL star performers in India vs Ireland:
| Player | Age | Mat | Runs | Avg | SR | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 26 | 16 | 590 | 42.14 | 147.5 | 92 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 21 | 14 | 625 | 48.08 | 163.61 | 124 |
| Tilak Varma | 20 | 11 | 343 | 42.88 | 164.11 | 84* |
| Rinku Singh | 25 | 14 | 474 | 59.25 | 149.53 | 67* |
| Jitesh Sharma | 29 | 14 | 309 | 23.77 | 156.06 | 49* |
| Shivam Dube | 30 | 16 | 418 | 38 | 158.33 | 52 |
In Ruturaj Gaikwad, India Cricket Team has a captain for the future. He is young and has learned the tricks of the game from none other than MS Dhoni. He has been a consistent performer in IPL. But in the limited opportunities he has got in international cricket, he has not been successful.
But it’s Tilak Varma whom everyone is excited about. The left-hander has averaged 57.33 in his first international tournament and that’s a great sign for Team India. He bowls off-spin and bats in 3-6 spots, giving Team India exactly what they need.
In Jitesh Sharma, Team India have great hopes. He has shown his power-hitting skills for Punjab Kings. And with Ishan Kishan failing to capitalise his chances, Jitesh could be the answer.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has already proven his case in international cricket in both Tests and T20Is. It is just about continuing his approach and keeping KL Rahul out of the squad indefinitely.
Rinku Singh will be the next X-factor. He has the capability to win games as the finisher. Whether he can continue doing that at an international level is the question. His 5 sixes against Gujarat Titans is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Now, all he has to do is continue the same way.
Chance for Sanju Samson to prove doubters wrong
After drawing blank in IND vs WI series, Sanju Samson has another opportunity to silence his critics in India vs Ireland series. With no Suryakumar Yadav, he has to compete against himself to prove he is still the deal. And a few good shows can open the door to World Cup 2023 squad as well.
Sanju Samson has done everything he needed to in IPL. He has batted from 1-6. He has played the role of an anchor as well as a finisher and a middle-order enforcer. Now, it’s time to show the world once again.
India’s squad: Jasprit Bumrah (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan.
| India vs Ireland Schedule | |||
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
| Aug-18 | 1st T20I | Malahide, Dublin | 7:30 PM IST |
| Aug-20 | 2nd T20I | Malahide, Dublin | 7:30 PM IST |
| Aug-23 | 3RD T20I | Malahide, Dublin | 7:30 PM IST |
Editors pick
