All eyes on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as Shreyas Iyer makes his T20I captaincy debut

Fresh from defending their T20 World Cup crown, India adjusted to the unexpected change in leadership. India are all set to usher in a new T20I era under captain Shreyas Iyer when they take on Ireland in Belfast on Friday, June 25.

A captaincy move is usually a big deal in Indian cricket, but in this two-match series, the conversation has largely been dominated by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the possibility of a record international debut.

But the larger context will revolve around the new direction of the Indian leadership and how quickly the side adapts after moving on from its World Cup-winning captain – Suryakumar Yadav.

Iyer, who was not part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, earned the role through strong domestic and IPL performances. He now finds himself leading a side in transition where expectations remain high despite the presence of fresh faces and experimental combinations.

CAPTAIN SHREYAS IYERA

Ahead of the series, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak endorsed Iyer’s experience and calm approach, highlighting his extensive captaincy background in domestic cricket and the IPL.

“It’s not like Shreyas is captaining this team for the first time. He has captained a lot in the IPL and for Mumbai, so he has a lot of experience. It’s not like people expect anything else from him,” Kotak said.

He also highlighted Iyer’s leadership philosophy which was evident in the team’s first steeplechase under his leadership.

“I heard Shreyas say, ‘We’ll take care of everybody. Some will have good days, some will have bad days, so we’ll just make sure we support each other,'” he added.

Despite the boost, the series represents a significant early test for Iyer, who last played a T20 International for India in 2023 against Australia. The spotlight is split between a new captain and a potential teenage debutant, and the spotlight in Belfast is firmly fixed on India’s evolving identity.

IRELAND EYE OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION

Ireland, meanwhile, enter the contest hoping to capitalize on India’s transition phases and are still freshly acclimatised to the conditions. However, they are dealing with problems of their own, with their squad dealing with several injury issues. Captain Lorcan Tucker, who took over the leadership duties following the retirement of Paul Stirling after the T20 World Cup, now leads the side in motion.

Tucker remains one of the key players for Ireland, who impressed with an unbeaten 94 against Oman at the World Cup. The highly regarded wicketkeeper-batsman continues to be central to Ireland’s ambitions in this format.

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Belfast surface is expected to offer slower conditions compared to the high-scoring venues of the IPL that Indian players are used to, with the bigger boundaries adding another layer of challenge. Early adjustment with the bat can be crucial.

It is expected to be cloudy with the possibility of occasional showers, which could further affect the course of the opening race of the series.

IRE vs IND PREDICTED XI

India

India are unlikely to make significant changes to their World Cup-winning squad in their first match since winning the title. The most notable shift remains the change in leadership, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also highly unlikely to be drafted straight into the playing XI, disrupting the well-settled opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.

“I don’t think just to give him a chance we should drop someone who has already scored. That won’t be right either. I think there is a very fine line between trying to give someone a chance and being unfair to another player,” Kotak added.

Sanju Samson (week), Abhishek Sharma/Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi/Prasidh Krishna/Prince Yadav.

Ireland

Ireland could also hand teenager Reuben Wilson a debut, while left-arm paceman Jai Moondra – born in Rajasthan – is another contender for a first international appearance.

Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (capt & wk), Ben Calitz, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Matt Holard, Reuben Williams, Jai Moondra.

IRELAND VS INDIA: WHEN TO WATCH?

The first T20I between Ireland and India will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Ground, Stormont, Belfast on Friday 26th June at 18:00 IST.

IRELAND VS INDIA: WHERE TO WATCH?

The game will be broadcast live by Sony Sports Network through its linear channels and on the SonyLiv website and app.

IRE vs IND: WHAT THEY SAID

Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak:

“Tonight the captain and the head coach will decide the team. And if he plays, great. If he doesn’t play, it’s also great because he’s part of the Indian team. And I’m sure he’ll get his due and his opportunities. So I don’t think just to give him an opportunity we should drop someone who has already scored.”

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

26 Jun 2026 07:35 IST