Making a comeback to Indian cricket after 11 months, Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian side has 2 debutants. Rinku Singh and Prasidh Krishna have got their back in the sun. The Asia Cup squad selection yet to be done, some of the contenders will aim to put on a show for the selectors. Meanwhile, the other fringe players will hope for some action before heading into the Asia Games.
“We have two debuts – Rinku and Prasidh Krishna. Told them to just enjoy their cricket,” said Bumrah at the Toss.
India Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson(w), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah(c), Ravi Bishnoi
With scores of 12, 7 and 13 in the three games that he batted in the five-match T20 series against the West Indies, Sanju Samson has himself invited trouble. He has slipped down the pecking order for selection in the Asia Cup 2023. Playing the role of a finisher, the 28-year-old was largely disappointing. In Jitesh Sharma, the Indian Cricket Team has a natural keeper. He also plays as a finisher for the Punjab Kings. Jitesh was called as Sanju’s replacement but did not get any game time. With the Asian Games coming up, the Vidarbha star will be keen to get some game time under his belt.
Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, looked sharp in the nets in what is an anticipated return. The Indian skipper has been out of action for almost a year undergoing surgery on his back. Joining him in the attack will be Prasidh Krishna. Krishna also underwent surgery and had a long rehabilitation before returning to the international scene. Both Bumrah and Prasidh are considered vital in India’s World Cup plans and will be the first names on the team sheet in Malahide.
Vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will get a run of games at the top of the order. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma will retain their places in the West Indies series. Shivam Dube makes a return to the Indian set up, while Rinku Singh is set for a debut. Should Jitesh Sharma play, it will also be his first game for India.
Arshdeep Singh will complement Prasidh and Bumrah with his left arm angle and death bowling. Mukesh Kumar is an option, but Arshdeep is likely ahead in of him and Avesh Khan. Ravi Bishnoi is set to be the first choice. Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Ahmed will tussle for the all-rounder’s spot at No.7. Given India’s long tail, both Ahmed and Sundar could play cutting short in either Bishnoi or Arshdeep.
India Playing XI: What to expect in IND vs IRE 1st T20
- Yashavi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad will open the batting.
- Rinku Singh is set for his debut, with Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube in the middle order for company.
- Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are vying for a lone spot. Bumrah could play both given India’s abundance of left-handers.
- Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna will be the first names on the team sheet. Bishnoi to be the lead spinner.
- Washington Sundar and Shahbaz compete for the all-rounder’s spot.
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.
Editors pick
