All you need to know about India vs Ireland T20Is
India will be up against Ireland in two T20Is on June 27 and 29. Kohli-led side left for their UK tour on Saturday. This is the first time these two nations will be involved in a T20I series. The last time India toured Ireland, it was for an ODI in 2007, which they won by nine wickets. Here is everything you need to know.
India have been lethal in T20Is
India have gone on to win five out of the last six T20I series. This year they defeated South Africa before winning the Nidahas T20 Tri-series in Sri Lanka. Kohli's men, therefore, go into the two-match series as clear favorites. India and Ireland have played only one T20I before this in the 2009 ICC World T20. The visitors will hope to continue their dominance.
Will Ireland take inspiration from Scotland?
Recently, Scotland stunned the number one side England in a one-off ODI game. Ireland, which recently got Test status, would draw inspiration from the Scots and play to their potential against Kohli's men. The Irish haven't been in good form recently in T20Is. They lost to the Netherlands in two games, besides drawing one and winning one against Scotland in a tri-series.
Ireland announce 14-man squad for India series
Ireland have named the 14-member squad which is being led by Gary Wilson for the upcoming T20Is against India. 31-year-old Punjab born off-spinner Simranjit Singh has been making the headlines after being selected in the squad. He has featured in 7 ODIs and four T20Is. 18-year-old, Under-19 World Cup player Joshua Little has been called up to the side as well.
14-member Irish squad
Ireland: Gary Wilson (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell , Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Kevin O'Brien, William Porterfield, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson.
TV listing, timing and key players
The two matches are scheduled to be played in Dublin on June 27 and 29. Both matches start at 8:30 PM IST. The matches will be telecast live on Star Sports network. It can also be streamed live on Hotstar. Key player for Ireland is opening batsman William Porterfield. For India in-form Shikhar Dhawan holds the advantage.
