KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- India will face Ireland in the opening T20I in Belfast on June 26, 2026.
- Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to make his senior debut under captain Shreyas Iyer.
- Detailed predicted lineups for both teams are analyzed ahead of the series opener.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I: Predicted Lineups and Sooryavanshi’s Debut
The upcoming clash between India and Ireland is generating significant anticipation, primarily due to the potential senior debut of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
While matches between these two nations have historically been one-sided, this series features two compelling new narratives. The first is the introduction of Sooryavanshi to the senior squad, and the second is the leadership transition, as Shreyas Iyer takes over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav following India’s record-breaking third T20 World Cup title victory earlier this year.
Much of the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi involves the possibility of him opening the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. This pairing would provide India with a potent left-handed opening combination capable of putting bowling attacks under immediate pressure.
Sanju Samson is expected to slot in at number three. After being named Player of the Tournament during India’s World Cup triumph, his inclusion is virtually guaranteed, despite the strong form of Ishan Kishan across all formats.
Shreyas Iyer, returning to T20I cricket after a three-year hiatus, is expected to bat at number four—the position previously held by Suryakumar Yadav. He will be followed by his deputy, Tilak Varma, who recently guided India A to a tri-series victory in Sri Lanka.
India Predicted XI vs Ireland (1st T20I)
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Tilak Varma
- (Remaining players to be confirmed)
Ireland Predicted XI vs India (1st T20I)
In the absence of Paul Stirling, Ross Adair and Stephen Doheny are expected to handle the opening duties, while the new full-time captain, Lorcan Tucker, will anchor the innings at number three.
Harry Tector remains the cornerstone of Ireland’s middle order, supported by George Dockrell and Gareth Delany. The bowling attack is expected to feature several uncapped players, including teenage prospect Reuben Wilson, who is tipped for his T20I debut alongside a young seam unit led by Liam McCarthy.
- Ross Adair
- Stephen Doheny
- Lorcan Tucker (c/wk)
- Harry Tector
- George Dockrell
- Gareth Delany
- Reuben Wilson
- Liam McCarthy
- Gavin Hoey / Matthew Humphreys
- Jai Moondra / Matthew Hollard