IRE vs IND 2023: Strongest India playing XI for T20I series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian team for the Ireland tour. Jasprit Bumrah, who is out of cricketing action since September, is set to make a comeback in the T20 International (T20I) competition against the Irish side. In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Bumrah will lead the Men in Blue.

Along with Bumrah, pacer Prasidh Krishna will also return to the Indian team. Krishna was last seen in India colours in August 2022 against Zimbabwe in the One-Day International (ODI) match in Harare. Both pacers will strive to deliver their best with the ball to break into India’s 2023 World Cup squad. Along with these two India stalwarts, other players will also look to perform excellently and grab the selectors’ attention and reserve their spots in the World Cup side.

Here is India’s predicted XI for Ireland T20Is 

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the vice-captain of the Indian team in the Irish tour. As Bumrah’s deputy, his job will be to help the team with his bat. Gaikwad has played nine matches for India, in which he has scored 135 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 123.85. These numbers however do not justify his batting potential. 

Gaikwad will look to be effective with the bat against the Irish side and help India completely dominate the series. This year, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinched their fifth title under MS Dhoni in Indian Premier League (IPL). In Chennai’s sensational title victory, Gaikwad played an instrumental role with his bat.

The right-handed opener chalked up 590 runs from his bat in 16 matches at a strike rate of 147.50 and became the second-leading run-getter for his side. Gaikwad will be expected to take forward his fine batting form against Ireland.