3 changes India could make for second IRE vs IND T20I
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All eyes will on India’s team selection for second T20I after defeat in opening game.
India’s white-ball tour of Ireland started with an unexpected defeat after the hosts stunned the T20 World Champions in the opening match of the two-match series. Ireland won the first T20I by 34 runs at Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast.
The newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer’s side, were clear favourites but failed to live up to the expectations. Ireland came up with a brilliant all-round performance to register their first-ever win over India in T20I cricket.
Ireland Captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a half-century, while Ireland’s bowlers did a pretty good job and bowled India out for 148 after setting a target of 183. Abhishek Sharma played an impressive and fiery knock of 50 runs off 20 balls, but didn’t get support from the other end.
With the series now on line, India will be looking to make a few changes to their playing XI for the second and Final T20I in Belfast.
Changes India could make for second IRE vs IND T20I
1. Prince Yadav in place of Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna failed to give a good performance in the opening game as Ireland’s middle order attacked him during the death overs. Prasidh gave 57 runs in his 4-over spell and seemed a little off with his line and length throughout the game.
Prince Yadav, who earned his maiden India call-up earlier this month, is yet to make his T20I debut. The young fast bowler impressed everyone with his stunning performance in domestic cricket and IPL 2026, and even looked good in ODIs against Afghanistan.
So, the chances are pretty high that India might give this youngster a chance with the series on the line.
2. Ravi Bishnoi in place of Washington Sundar
Washington Sunder brings balance to the side, but India may need a more attacking spin option after losing the first T20I in Belfast. Ravi Bishnoi has been doing quite well in recent times, and his ability to pick wickets in the middle overs could help India dominate the game again. The second T20I has now become the must-win match for India, and they would be keen to make a strong comeback.
3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in place of Sanju Samson
It was shocking that Vaibhav wasn’t a part of the Playing XI in the first T20I. He was the biggest talking point before the series; however, we might see him catching up to the crease in the second T20I.
Sanju Samson failed to give a good start to the team in the first T20I, and giving Vaibhav an opportunity in the second T20I could add fresh energy to the batting order. The duo of Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be an absolute fiery pair, which might put the hosts in a spot.
Could Vaibhav Sooryavanshi make his debut in the second T20I?
Vaibhav wasn’t part of the Playing XI in the first T20I; however, we might see him catching up to the crease in the second T20I.
When will the second T20I between IND and IRE be played?
The second and final T20I will be played on June 28, 2026 in Belfast.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.