Xtra Time Web Desk: All eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah as he marks his comeback in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin. He will be returning to action after a gap of 326 days. The pace spearhead will also have the additional responsibility of leading the side
With the Asia Cup and World Cup selection round the corner, focus will be on Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson as well. The later has been inconsistent with the bat in the recently concluded series against West Indies. The team management will be in a dilemma to give Sanju another opportunity or try Jitesh Sharma. The wicketkeeper batter from Vidarbha can play as a floater as he has played the role of a finisher for Punjab Kings in IPL.
Another player who is coming back from injury is Prasidh Krishna. Krishna also underwent surgery and had a long rehabilitation before returning to the international scene. Both Bumrah and Prasidh ais considered vital in India’s World Cup plans and will be the first names on the team sheet in Malahide.
Vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who did not get an opportunity in the ODI series against West Indies will look to make some useful contributions at the top along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Tilak Varma will look to carry on the momentum from 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.
Here is Team India’s likely playing XI for first T20I: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson / Jitesh Sharma (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi / Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah (C) and Prasidh Krishna