Asia Cup 2023
India tour of Ireland: From Jasprit Bumrah to Rinku Singh players to watch out for
Amidst a hectic schedule, the three-match T20I series against Ireland holds significance for the Indian cricket team. Indulged between the West Indies tour and the impending Asia Cup, this comparatively minor contest carries substantial value in addressing crucial queries of Indian team management.
As the World Cup looms a mere month away, India’s secondary lineup will face this Irish challenge. This series holds the potential to furnish invaluable insights into India’s future prospects. The series offers a platform to resolve pressing questions, aiding the team in making informed decisions as they prepare for the imminent World Cup and Asia Cup. So in today’s article, we will discuss why the Ireland tour matters for India.
#1. Is Jasprit Bumrah fit enough to play in the World Cup?
Jasprit Bumrah (Source: Twitter)
India’s prime objective in the upcoming series will revolve around assessing the fitness of returning seamer Jasprit Bumrah. With relentless months of intense cricket looming ahead, including non-stop high-pressure encounters, Bumrah holds a pivotal role in India’s seam bowling arsenal. While his T20I spells are limited to four overs, he must swiftly regain their intensity.
A critical evaluation of his performances during the Ireland tour, specifically his ability to complete the full quota, carries substantial implications. If successful, it will provide India with a significant advantage, as he will brace for an action-packed calendar ahead. India will hope he is fresh and fully game-ready.
#2. Last chance for Sanju Samson?
Sanju Samson (Source: Twitter)
The upcoming Ireland tour holds crucial significance for wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson. It might mark his final opportunity to validate his role in T20I cricket. Despite his T20I debut in 2015, his international appearances have remained brief, with a modest average of 18.50 from 18 matches over eight years.
The recently concluded T20I series against the West Indies showcased Samson’s struggles, as he managed just 32 runs across five matches. With the inclusion of Jitesh Sharma, a proficient middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman who has thrived in recent IPL seasons, Samson faces intensified competition. Sharma’s prowess against diverse bowling styles presents an alternative that could supersede Samson’s position.
#3. Opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad!
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: Twitter)
The Ireland tour presents a vital juncture for Ruturaj Gaikwad to validate his worth in T20I cricket and solidify his position as a key player. Despite showcasing immense potential in domestic white-ball cricket and the IPL, Gaikwad’s international stint has yielded a modest average of 16.87 from 9 T20Is.
With the Asian Games on the horizon and Gaikwad leading India’s T20I team, this tour holds immense significance. After Shubman Gill’s struggle in the West Indies T20I series, where he faced difficulties, Gaikwad has a golden opportunity to stake his claim as the preferred opener. Notably, he steps into his maiden leadership role as vice-captain, presenting a platform to exhibit his skills both as a batsman and a future leader.
#4. The left-hand puzzle
Tilak Varma-Yashasvi Jaiswal-Rinku Singh (Source: Twitter)
The Ireland tour emerges as a crucial platform for India to address their persistent middle-order batting concerns, particularly the lack of left-handed options. The deficiency in this aspect has plagued India’s white-ball performance in recent years, seeking a strategic resolution. This series presents an opportunity to chart a sustainable solution to this pressing issue.
Within the squad, India boasts four specialist left-handed batters, each embodying distinct skill sets and roles. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive T20 opening approach, Tilak Varma’s versatile middle-order adaptability, Shivam Dube‘s match-changing prowess, and Rinku Singh’s clutch finishing abilities offer a diverse pool of talent. Seizing this chance to groom and integrate these left-handed batters could lay the groundwork for India’s future T20 endeavours, enhancing their overall batting prowess and strategic flexibility.
#5. Finding the third spinner
Ravi Bishnoi (Source: Twitter)
Ravi Bishnoi’s journey takes a crucial turn as he gears up for the Ireland tour. It is of immense importance in validating his prowess ahead of the impending Asia Cup and World Cup. Despite his participation in 10 T20Is during 2022, a year-long absence due to circumstances posed a challenge for him. As Bishnoi makes a comeback, he emerges as the sole wrist spinner chosen for the Ireland series.
With Yuzvendra Chahal’s recent struggles in the West Indies series. He has an opportunity arises for Bishnoi to secure his position as the premier leg spinner in the Indian T20I squad. Since his debut last year, he has consistently displayed potential. His performance on the Ireland tour serves as a decisive litmus test as he strives to cement his stature. He would look to be a pivotal component in India’s spin arsenal for the approaching Asia Cup and ODI World Cup campaigns.