India's T20 specialist ruled out of the first T20I against Ireland

Sundar had made his name by performing exceptionally well in the Nidahas Trophy tri-nation T20 series involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The off-spinner had picked up 8 wickets in 5 matches at a miserly economy rate of under 7, that too bowling most of his overs in the powerplay.

If Sundar, who is also the 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against England does not regain in fitness in time then BCCI might name a replacement.

Though BCCI is yet to make any official announcement, the extent of the injury makes Sundar’s participation in the series opener an unlikely event.

In Sundar’s absence, the spin department would depend on wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.

On the eve of the first T20I, India’s T20 specialist Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the opening encounter if not from the series.

Sundar was unable to walk out of the field himself and was helped by two members of the support staff – physio Patrick Farhat and Trainer Shankar Basu.

Sundar hobbled off the field during the practice session. the 18-year-old all-rounder hurt his ankle while participating in the football game during the warm-up.

The first match at Malahide is special for more than one reason for India. This will mark India’s 100th T20 international and if India manages to win this they will become the most successful side in terms of win percentage.

While there is lot of interest about India’s middle order because of a three-way battle between Suresh Raina, KL Rahul and Manish Pandey, the bowling line-up looks settled. If there is no extra help for seamers India are likely to field two spinners and two seamers with Hardik Pandya as the third seaming option.

But hours before the first T20I at Malahide, Team India have been pegged back by an injury to one of its key players, which may force them alter their plans a little bit.

It's the dress rehearsal before the actual test but India would do well not to let the guard down when they take on a lowly but effervescent Ireland in a two-match T20 series starting today.

This is going to mark the first-ever bilateral series between both the nations. The only other occasion the two sides met for a T20 match was in 2009 T20 World Cup in England, in which India emerged clear winners.