Xtra Time Web Desk: There is a huge possibility that both Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav getting a nod in the playing XI for India in the first T20I against Ireland. The duo missed out the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa. But then who gets dropped if they are included in the playing XI? The axe in that case is likely to fall on Shreyas Iyer who has not been in best of form. Rishabh Pant too may have to sit out if the team management feels so. National Cricket Academy (NCA) Director VVS Laxman is currently with the T20 squad in Dublin. A lot will depend on what both Laxman and Hardik Pandya decides.
Suryakumar is making a comeback from a wrist injury while Samson is looking to make use of what could be his last chance to prove his worth is likely to be preferred. SKY has been a regular in the Indian T20I side for the past one year and will only get his place back.
But as far as Samson is concerned, his alternative could be Deepak Hooda, who can also bowl a couple of overs of handy off-spin, besides possessing an ability to hit the ball hard.
Another player who has not been consistent is Ruturaj Gaikwad. The series against Ireland might just be his last chance to get back to form.
Ishan Kishan, who has all but sealed the reserve opener’s slot for the next few months, will continue in his role for the time being and will open the batting. It will be interesting as to who will partner him as Ruturaj Gaikwad too has not been consistent.
Stand-in captain Hardik Pandya, who batted at No. 5 in the last series, is expected to continue in that position with Dinesh Karthik coming a slot below him.
But it is still not clear if Laxman will try out ‘Jammu Express’ Umran Malik or death over specialist Arshdeep Singh in this series, or continue with experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Avesh Khan, with Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal as the spinning options.
Avesh Khan who featured in India Playing XI for all five games against South Africa is set to be benched for either Umran Malik or Arshdeep.
India playing XI (likely): Ishan Kishan (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (VC), Avesh Khan/Arshdeep Singh & Yuzvendra Chahal