IRE vs IND: 1st T20I, Preview- India keen to start UK journey on a resounding note

The hype around India’s tour of the United Kingdom (UK) has been doing the rounds for quite a while now. The much-debated yo-yo test, Virat Kohli’s neck injury and other relatable elements have been hogging the headlines for the last few weeks. Tomorrow, the battle on the cricket pitch finally gets underway when India cross swords with Ireland in the first T20I at The Village in Dublin.

The Men in Blue are touted as the favourites and rightly so, they have the luxury of some of the most renowned names in world cricket, who have been hard nuts to crack even for the strongest of teams. However, Gary Wilson and his men can’t be undermined by any means as they have turned out to be giant-slayers over the course of their journey among the big boys of cricket.

Meanwhile, the series is expected to be the Men in Blue’s dress rehearsal prior to their stern test against England, which is only a week away. Ireland are unbeaten in the two T20Is they played at the venue back in 2015. This time around, their task won’t be as easy and they would need to pull off something stupendous in order to turn the tables on Virat Kohli’s men.

Team Combination  

Ireland

The batting lineup is an experienced one. The seasoned campaigners in Paul Stirling and William Porterfield are the openers. Andre Balbirnie comes in next at number three. Gary Wilson, being the captain, needs to shoulder a chunk of the responsibility. Simi Singh, the Punjab-born all-rounder, also has to contribute with the willow.

Kevin O’Brien is one of their fiercest hitters and his role will be crucial for the Irishmen to post a significant score. Peter Chase and Boyd Rankin are the genuine pacers in the team. George Dockrell along with Simi Singh have to shoulder the spin bowling department. Kevin O’Brien’s wily medium pacers may also be required by the hosts.

Predicted XI

Paul Stirling, William Porterfield, Andrew Balbirnie, Gary Wilson (capt & wk), Simi Singh, Stuart Poynter, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Thompson, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin

India

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are the opening batsmen with Virat Kohli at number three. Dinesh Karthik may get an opportunity as well. Suresh Raina’s experience needs to come to the fore. MS Dhoni is the wicketkeeper-batsman and his contribution will be crucial. Moreover, India will be looking at Hardik Pandya to perform with both bat and ball.

The bowling lineup has Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the fast bowlers. Both have been outstanding in the shorter-formats and is again expected to deliver the goods for them. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the wrist-spinners who have previously done well in conditions that aren’t suitable to their style of bowling. Raina’s part-timers may also be needed in case a bowler has an off day.

Predicted XI

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (capt), Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

Players to watch out for

Paul Stirling- Ireland

Stirling has been one of Ireland’s gun batsmen for a decade and has been a major reason why the team has emerged to be a force over the years. The swashbuckling batsman recently showed good form in their recently concluded triangular series involving Scotland and Netherlands. Against a strong Indian bowling, the right-hander needs to step up and score some runs.

Rohit Sharma- India

Rohit’s form in the IPL wasn’t impressive by any means. However, his performances for the national team has been top notch and can’t be overlooked. India have depended on the opener for taking them to good starts and even in Dublin, it won’t be any different.

Head to Head

Played– 1, Ireland- 0, India- 1, Tie/NR- 0

Broadcast details– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live streaming– Sony LIV

Match Timings: 20:30 IST, 03:00 GMT

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