India vs Ireland T20I: What to expect from this two-match series

On Tuesday the Virat Kohli led Indian side started for Dublin, the venue for the two-match T20I series against Ireland. This is going to mark the first-ever bilateral series between both the nations. These two matches are expected to help Virat and his men massively before they play England in a three-match T20I series. Here’s why this two-match T20I series against Ireland is of immense importance to India.

Team India’s tour of United Kingdom starts on June 27 with the first T20I against Ireland at The Village, Dublin. A star-studded Indian team landed in London on June 23 and has spent enough time at the nets to get aware of the Irish conditions.

On Tuesday the Virat Kohli led Indian side started for Dublin, the venue for the two-match T20I series against Ireland. This is going to mark the first-ever bilateral series between both the nations. These two matches are expected to help Virat and his men massively before they play England in a three-match T20I series. Here’s why this two-match T20I series against Ireland is of immense importance to India.

Precursor to the England series

This two-match T20I series in Ireland will provide India a window to the more difficult England series, starting from July 3. The conditions in Ireland would be somewhat similar if not the exact to what India would encounter in England. If anything, the pitches would be a bit more difficult in Ireland, considering the weather conditions, which allows the ball to swing in the air.

Ranking incentives

India’s T20I ranking of No. 3 is slightly below-par considering their Test and ODI standings of No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. They have a perfect opportunity to rectify that in their upcoming five T20Is in UK, starting with the Ireland series.

India are placed third in the team rankings with 123 points. India have the potential of reaching 127 points by winning their five matches - two against Ireland and three against England.

Playing combination

India have a nice mix of youth and experience when it comes to their T20I team. However, that can also backfire at times as India are spoilt for choices when it comes to their middle order. While it is certain that Rohit and Dhawan will open the innings, it will be interesting to see whether KL Rahul gets his opportunity to bat at No.3 or Kohli would continue with the experience of Raina.

This Ireland T20 series will give an idea on which way Raina’s career is going. The left-hander could not grab his opportunities in South Africa and he knows that with the likes of Rahul, Rayudu, Pant waiting in the wings, he can’t let another opportunity go a begging.

Eye on Dhoni

Dhoni reinvented himself in the eleventh edition of IPL, leading his side Chennai Super Kings to their third IPL title. Millions of Indian cricket followers would keep a close eye on Dhoni on how he reacts to Irish and English conditions. Like Raina, Dhoni too has stiff competition from the likes of Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant. In fact, there is a high possibility of Karthik playing as a batsman with Dhoni taking the gloves. Therefore, it will be all the important for Dhoni to carry his IPL form into the international arena to prolong his limited-overs career.

What time does 1^st India vs Ireland T20I match start?

The 1st India vs Ireland T20I match begins at 08:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 08:30 PM IST.

Where to watch the live telecast of 1^st India vs Ireland T20I match?

The live coverage of the 1^st India vs Ireland T20I match will get telecast on Sony Pictures Networks India.

Where to watch the online live streaming of 1^st India vs Ireland T20I match?

The live streaming of 1st India vs Ireland T20I match will be available on SONY LIV app.

Here are the squads:

India

Virat Kohli(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Siddarth Kaul, Umesh Yadav

Ireland

Gary Wilson(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Andy McBrine, Kevin O Brien, William Porterfield, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson