India will be aiming to clean sweep the two-match series 2-0 when they lock horns with Ireland in the second T20I at The Village in Dublin on Tuesday (June 28). India defeated the hosts comprehensively by seven wickets in the series-opener at the same venue on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead and will be hoping to make it two wins on the trot. Indian skipper Hardik Pandya would have liked to avoid any changes in the line-up but the visitors might make a forced change in the 2nd T20I.

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad picked up a niggle while fielding during the first game and didn't come out to open the batting as Deepak Hooda replaced him at the top. Hooda went on to play a fantastic knock of unbeaten 47 to take India home in the 109-run chase with 2.4 overs to spare.

If Gaikwad fails to make the cut in the playing XI on Tuesday due to his injury, wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson might get a chance. Samson was not picked in the XI for the series-opener much to the surprise of many, who believe the wicket-keeper batter deserves a good run with the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022.

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However, with intense competition for spots in the middle-order Samson has so far failed to nail down a spot in the team and has also been devoid of chances. If Gaikwad remains on the sidelines, Hooda might be asked to open again with Kishan while Samson will slot into the middle order with Pandya and Dinesh Karthik.

The first T20I was reduced to a 12-overs-per-side contest after rain hampered the proceedings but a full game is expected on Tuesday with the weather forecast being good for the duration of play. While there can be a change in the batting line-up, India might go with the same bowling attack in the 2nd T20I.

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Umran Malik, who made his India debut in the series-opener, got a chance to bowl just one over and was taken off after conceding 14 off it. However, the team management might retain him in the XI to boost his confidence. Avesh Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are expected to keep their place while Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel will be the two spinners.

India's predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Ireland:

Ruturaj Gaikwad/Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik

India will be aiming to clean sweep the two-match series 2-0 when they lock horns with Ireland in the second T20I at The Village in Dublin on Tuesday (June 28). India defeated the hosts comprehensively by seven wickets in the series-opener at the same venue on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead and will be hoping to make it two wins on the trot.

India will be aiming to clean sweep the two-match series 2-0 when they lock horns with Ireland in the second T20I at The Village in Dublin on Tuesday (June 28). India defeated the hosts comprehensively by seven wickets in the series-opener at the same venue on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead and will be hoping to make it two wins on the trot. Indian skipper Hardik Pandya would have liked to avoid any changes in the line-up but the visitors might make a forced change in the 2nd T20I. Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad picked up a niggle while fielding during the first game and didn't come out to open the batting as Deepak Hooda replaced him at the top. Hooda went on to play a fantastic knock of unbeaten 47 to take India home in the 109-run chase with 2.4 overs to spare. If Gaikwad fails to make the cut in the playing XI on Tuesday due to his injury, wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson might get a chance. Samson was not picked in the XI for the series-opener much to the surprise of many, who believe the wicket-keeper batter deserves a good run with the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022. Also Read: BCCI not happy with Indian players hanging out in public, issues warning after Rohit Sharma's positive case However, with intense competition for spots in the middle-order Samson has so far failed to nail down a spot in the team and has also been devoid of chances. If Gaikwad remains on the sidelines, Hooda might be asked to open again with Kishan while Samson will slot into the middle order with Pandya and Dinesh Karthik. The first T20I was reduced to a 12-overs-per-side contest after rain hampered the proceedings but a full game is expected on Tuesday with the weather forecast being good for the duration of play. While there can be a change in the batting line-up, India might go with the same bowling attack in the 2nd T20I. Also Read: Rohit Sharma can be relieved of T20I captaincy for Team India to manage workload: Virender Sehwag Umran Malik, who made his India debut in the series-opener, got a chance to bowl just one over and was taken off after conceding 14 off it. However, the team management might retain him in the XI to boost his confidence. Avesh Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are expected to keep their place while Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel will be the two spinners. India's predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I vs Ireland: Ruturaj Gaikwad/Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik

Will Sanju Samson replace Ruturaj Gaikwad? India's predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I against Ireland

Umran Malik made his dream debut for the Indian team in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (June 27). It was a proud moment for the young pace sensation who became only the second cricketer after Parvez Rasool from his state Jammu &amp; Kashmir to represent India in international cricket. Umran had earned his maiden India call-up in the T20I series against South Africa at home earlier this month after impressing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.

Umran, who was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2022, went on to have a memorable season for the franchise with 22 wickets in 14 matches. He left many impressed with his raw pace and consistently clocked over 150 kmph with the ball to rattle the opposition batters.

Umran was expected to go full throttle against Ireland in the first T20I on Sunday after making his dream debut. However, he got to bowl only one over in his debut match for the Indian team and was taken off by captain Hardik Pandya after giving away 14 runs off the over. Umran bowled the 6th over during Ireland's innings in the rain-affected game.

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He was taken to the cleaners by Harry Tector, who was the top scorer for Ireland with a quickfire 64 off 33 balls. Umran didn't get to bowl again in the 12-over-per-side match as India restricted Ireland to 108/4 in 12 overs. Following the conclusion of the game, skipper Hardik was asked about Umran and he explained why the young pacer bowled just one over in the game.

Hardik revealed he had a chat with Umran on the field and felt it was best for him to bowl with the old ball and not the new one.&nbsp;"Great to start a series with a win. For us, as a team, it's very important to start with a win. Quite happy with it. He's [Umran Malik] been fantastic for his franchise. But I felt, also had a chat with him, he'll be more comfortable with the older ball," said Hardik.

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After restricting Ireland on 108 runs, India chased down the target with 2.4 overs to spare as Deepak Hooda starred with the willow. Opening the batting with Ishan Kishan, Hooda scored an unbeaten 47 off 29 balls and combined with his opening partner Kishan (26), and skipper Hardik (24) to take India home comfortably in the run-chase.

India won the first T20I by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and will be looking to clean sweep the series 2-0 when they take on the hosts in the second T20I in Dublin on Tuesday (June 28).

&nbsp;

Umran Malik made his dream debut for the Indian team in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (June 27). It was a proud moment for the young pace sensation who became only the second cricketer after Parvez Rasool from his state Jammu & Kashmir to represent India in international cricket.

Umran Malik made his dream debut for the Indian team in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (June 27). It was a proud moment for the young pace sensation who became only the second cricketer after Parvez Rasool from his state Jammu & Kashmir to represent India in international cricket. Umran had earned his maiden India call-up in the T20I series against South Africa at home earlier this month after impressing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Umran, who was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2022, went on to have a memorable season for the franchise with 22 wickets in 14 matches. He left many impressed with his raw pace and consistently clocked over 150 kmph with the ball to rattle the opposition batters. Umran was expected to go full throttle against Ireland in the first T20I on Sunday after making his dream debut. However, he got to bowl only one over in his debut match for the Indian team and was taken off by captain Hardik Pandya after giving away 14 runs off the over. Umran bowled the 6th over during Ireland's innings in the rain-affected game. Also Read: Mayank Agarwal called up as cover for Rohit ahead of India's rescheduled 5th Test against England He was taken to the cleaners by Harry Tector, who was the top scorer for Ireland with a quickfire 64 off 33 balls. Umran didn't get to bowl again in the 12-over-per-side match as India restricted Ireland to 108/4 in 12 overs. Following the conclusion of the game, skipper Hardik was asked about Umran and he explained why the young pacer bowled just one over in the game. Hardik revealed he had a chat with Umran on the field and felt it was best for him to bowl with the old ball and not the new one. "Great to start a series with a win. For us, as a team, it's very important to start with a win. Quite happy with it. He's [Umran Malik] been fantastic for his franchise. But I felt, also had a chat with him, he'll be more comfortable with the older ball," said Hardik. Also Read: Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya guide India to 7-wicket win over Ireland in rain-affected 1st T20I After restricting Ireland on 108 runs, India chased down the target with 2.4 overs to spare as Deepak Hooda starred with the willow. Opening the batting with Ishan Kishan, Hooda scored an unbeaten 47 off 29 balls and combined with his opening partner Kishan (26), and skipper Hardik (24) to take India home comfortably in the run-chase. India won the first T20I by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and will be looking to clean sweep the series 2-0 when they take on the hosts in the second T20I in Dublin on Tuesday (June 28).

'Had a chat with him': Hardik Pandya explains why Umran Malik bowled only 1 over in 1st T20I vs Ireland

Ireland put up a spirted fight but India proved too strong for the home team to win the rain-hit opening T20I by seven wickets here on Sunday. Harry Tector's counter-attacking 64 not out off 33 balls took Ireland to 108 for four after the rain reduced the game to 12 overs a side.

India were always ahead of the run rate in the chase and with contributions from Ishan Kishan (26 off 11), Deepak Hooda (47 not out off 29) and skipper Hardik Pandya (24 off 12), cruised to victory in 9.2 overs.

Kishan continued his good form to get India off to a quick start. The first over of the innings went for 15 runs as Kishan collected couple of fours and a six off Joshua Little.

In a rather surprising move, Deepak Hooda came to open alongside Kishan in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad. He found his rhythm after a scratchy start and put up a match-winning 64-run stand with Hardik.

Just when it seemed Indian were running away with the contest, Craig Young got rid of Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav (0) in successive deliveries to raise hopes for his team.

Kishan's stumps were rattled in another attempt to get a full ball out of the park. Returning to the side after an injury break, Suryakumar got a beauty first up that seamed back to trap him in front of the stumps.

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However, Hardik and Hooda kept going for their strokes and a 21-run over from Andy Mcbrine put India back in control. While Hardik departed after hitting three sixes, Hooda stayed till the end to hit the winning four. His innings comprised two sixes and half a dozen boundaries.

Earlier, India opted to bowl in overcast conditions but soon after the rain arrived, delaying the start of play by more than two hours and 20 minutes. The conditions were ripe for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make the ball talk and he did just that in the opening over of the match.

The wily operator got the ball to swing both ways before an inswinger breached the defence of Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie. Skipper Hardik Pandya got himself into the attack in the second over and took two balls to dismiss the dangerous Paul Stirling.

After hitting the first ball over cover, Stirling went for the same shot but mistimed to be caught at mid off. Avesh Khan then had Gareth Delany caught behind in his first over to leave Ireland at 22 for three.

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India were expected to run through the opposition but Ireland staged a spirited recovery through Tector, who went for the offensive against the Indian pacers, including debutant Umran Malik. All eyes were on the Indian pace sensation but he had a rather nervous start to his international career.

He dragged his third ball down the leg side and it raced to the boundary off Lorcan Tucker's (18 off 16) pads. Two balls later, Tector played a beautiful straight drive off a full delivery. Malik dragged the next one short but Hector was ready to pull it for a six.

Tucker smashed two successive sixes off Hardik to give further impetus to the innings. The last over of the innings yielded 17 runs and pushed the total past 100 with Tector collecting a boundary from a reverse hit off Avesh before smashing a full toss for six over deep cover.

Ireland put up a spirted fight but India proved too strong for the home team to win the rain-hit opening T20I by seven wickets here on Sunday. Harry Tector's counter-attacking 64 not out off 33 balls took Ireland to 108 for four after the rain reduced the game to 12 overs a side.

Ireland put up a spirted fight but India proved too strong for the home team to win the rain-hit opening T20I by seven wickets here on Sunday. Harry Tector's counter-attacking 64 not out off 33 balls took Ireland to 108 for four after the rain reduced the game to 12 overs a side. India were always ahead of the run rate in the chase and with contributions from Ishan Kishan (26 off 11), Deepak Hooda (47 not out off 29) and skipper Hardik Pandya (24 off 12), cruised to victory in 9.2 overs. Kishan continued his good form to get India off to a quick start. The first over of the innings went for 15 runs as Kishan collected couple of fours and a six off Joshua Little. In a rather surprising move, Deepak Hooda came to open alongside Kishan in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad. He found his rhythm after a scratchy start and put up a match-winning 64-run stand with Hardik. Just when it seemed Indian were running away with the contest, Craig Young got rid of Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav (0) in successive deliveries to raise hopes for his team. Kishan's stumps were rattled in another attempt to get a full ball out of the park. Returning to the side after an injury break, Suryakumar got a beauty first up that seamed back to trap him in front of the stumps. Also Read: 'He was not a friend': Former Pak batter Salman Butt opens up on controversial 'bus fight' with Shahid Afridi However, Hardik and Hooda kept going for their strokes and a 21-run over from Andy Mcbrine put India back in control. While Hardik departed after hitting three sixes, Hooda stayed till the end to hit the winning four. His innings comprised two sixes and half a dozen boundaries. Earlier, India opted to bowl in overcast conditions but soon after the rain arrived, delaying the start of play by more than two hours and 20 minutes. The conditions were ripe for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make the ball talk and he did just that in the opening over of the match. The wily operator got the ball to swing both ways before an inswinger breached the defence of Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie. Skipper Hardik Pandya got himself into the attack in the second over and took two balls to dismiss the dangerous Paul Stirling. After hitting the first ball over cover, Stirling went for the same shot but mistimed to be caught at mid off. Avesh Khan then had Gareth Delany caught behind in his first over to leave Ireland at 22 for three. Also Read: 'Alex Ferguson of Ranji Trophy': Karthik hails head coach Chandrakant Pandit as MP claim maiden title India were expected to run through the opposition but Ireland staged a spirited recovery through Tector, who went for the offensive against the Indian pacers, including debutant Umran Malik. All eyes were on the Indian pace sensation but he had a rather nervous start to his international career. He dragged his third ball down the leg side and it raced to the boundary off Lorcan Tucker's (18 off 16) pads. Two balls later, Tector played a beautiful straight drive off a full delivery. Malik dragged the next one short but Hector was ready to pull it for a six. Tucker smashed two successive sixes off Hardik to give further impetus to the innings. The last over of the innings yielded 17 runs and pushed the total past 100 with Tector collecting a boundary from a reverse hit off Avesh before smashing a full toss for six over deep cover.

Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya guide India to 7-wicket win over Ireland in rain-affected 1st T20I

Hardik Pandya-led India were off to a winning start in the first T20I versus Ireland at The Village, Dublin on Sunday evening (June 26). After opting to bowl first, Hardik &amp; Co. got early scalps but were asked to chase 109 in a rain-curtailed 12-over contest, which they won by seven wickets courtesy of Deepak Hooda's 47 and captain Hardik's blitz.

During the Ireland innings, Dinesh Karthik was the No. 1 wicketkeeping choice despite the squad comprising Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. Thus with DK keeping wickets, in Rishabh Pant's absence, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has made a big statement. He feels DK keeping wickets is a big statement made by Team India ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia later this year.&nbsp;

"Dinesh Karthik is keeping, which means no Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson didn't get an opportunity also. What does it mean, that he is now your primary keeping option if Pant is unavailable, that's a big statement, that's a big endorsement," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. In addition, the ex-Indian player&nbsp;heaped praise on opener Kishan who played&nbsp;a crucial cameo, 11-ball 26, in the series opener to set the tone for Pandya-led India in a tough run-chase.

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"Ishan Kishan played a short knock but a knock which showed that he is cut above the rest. He has the ability to sight the ball early, the might to play the big shots and if you want to search for a disruptive opener, he is the guy, he is putting his hand up all the time," he added.&nbsp;

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For the unversed, Ishan returned&nbsp;with most runs (206) at 41.20, including&nbsp;two fifties, in the India-South Africa T20Is at home. Thus, he has carried his form in the Ireland series and will aim for a big score in the series finale, which will take place at the same venue on Tuesday evening (June 27).
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Hardik Pandya-led India were off to a winning start in the first T20I versus Ireland at The Village, Dublin on Sunday evening (June 26). After opting to bowl first, Hardik & Co.

Hardik Pandya-led India were off to a winning start in the first T20I versus Ireland at The Village, Dublin on Sunday evening (June 26). After opting to bowl first, Hardik & Co. got early scalps but were asked to chase 109 in a rain-curtailed 12-over contest, which they won by seven wickets courtesy of Deepak Hooda's 47 and captain Hardik's blitz. During the Ireland innings, Dinesh Karthik was the No. 1 wicketkeeping choice despite the squad comprising Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. Thus with DK keeping wickets, in Rishabh Pant's absence, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has made a big statement. He feels DK keeping wickets is a big statement made by Team India ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia later this year. "Dinesh Karthik is keeping, which means no Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson didn't get an opportunity also. What does it mean, that he is now your primary keeping option if Pant is unavailable, that's a big statement, that's a big endorsement," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. In addition, the ex-Indian player heaped praise on opener Kishan who played a crucial cameo, 11-ball 26, in the series opener to set the tone for Pandya-led India in a tough run-chase. "Ishan Kishan played a short knock but a knock which showed that he is cut above the rest. He has the ability to sight the ball early, the might to play the big shots and if you want to search for a disruptive opener, he is the guy, he is putting his hand up all the time," he added. ALSO READ | 'He has found....': Former cricketer all praise for star India player after Ireland T20I series opener For the unversed, Ishan returned with most runs (206) at 41.20, including two fifties, in the India-South Africa T20Is at home. Thus, he has carried his form in the Ireland series and will aim for a big score in the series finale, which will take place at the same venue on Tuesday evening (June 27).

'He's your primary keeping option if Pant is unavailable' - Aakash Chopra makes big claim on Dinesh Karthik

Hardik Pandya-led India kicked off their two-match T20I series versus Ireland at The Village, Dublin on Sunday evening (June 26). In a rain-affected 12-over aside contest, Hardik &amp; Co. defeated a spirited Ireland by seven wickets to take an unassailable lead in the process.&nbsp;

Vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone for Team India after the visitors opted to bowl first. Bhuvi removed Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie for nought, with some early movement, and took India off to a flier. While&nbsp;Harry Tector's 33-ball 64 propelled Ireland to 108/4, in a dozen overs, Bhuvi remained economical (going at 5.30) and ended with 3-1-16-1. In reply, Deepak Hooda's unbeaten 47 and Hardik's 12-ball 24 took India to a comfortable win with 16 balls to spare.

While reviewing the&nbsp;India-Ireland T20I series opener in a video shared on his YouTube channel, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra pointed out the recent success that Bhuvi has achieved&nbsp;is his second coming. For the unversed, he was the Player-of-the-Series in the India-South Africa T20Is at home. In the Ireland series opener, the 32-year-old pacer attained another feat, becoming the leading wicket-taker in powerplays in T20Is (34). Thus, he went&nbsp;past West Indies spinner Samuel Badree and New Zealand seamer Tim Southee (both with 33 scalps each).&nbsp;

"Let's talk about Bhuvi because he has found a second wind. If you had asked me six to eight months back, I would have said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a very good bowler, but he is not in my T20 scheme of things because there was no pace in the deliveries."

"There was swing in the hand, but let's be honest, the swing that was always there had also reduced, the pace was slightly going down, and suddenly you are asking that an important component of the bowling is missing, without which it will not work because there are a lot of other bowlers," opined Chopra.

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Chopra further added, "But this is his second wind. You will give him a lot of credit for how well he has bowled. You will also credit the team management for sticking with him continuously, I felt they would not stay with him after the World Cup. But he is continuously improving. The way the ball is swinging from his hand, it's been a revelation of sorts about how well you can get your rhythm back. The speed gun is still showing the same speed but the swing is back. That means Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back. I am really, really happy for him."

Bhuvi-starrer India will take on Ireland in the second and final T20I on June 28 (Tuesday) at the same venue.

Hardik Pandya-led India kicked off their two-match T20I series versus Ireland at The Village, Dublin on Sunday evening (June 26). In a rain-affected 12-over aside contest, Hardik & Co.

Hardik Pandya-led India kicked off their two-match T20I series versus Ireland at The Village, Dublin on Sunday evening (June 26). In a rain-affected 12-over aside contest, Hardik & Co. defeated a spirited Ireland by seven wickets to take an unassailable lead in the process. Vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone for Team India after the visitors opted to bowl first. Bhuvi removed Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie for nought, with some early movement, and took India off to a flier. While Harry Tector's 33-ball 64 propelled Ireland to 108/4, in a dozen overs, Bhuvi remained economical (going at 5.30) and ended with 3-1-16-1. In reply, Deepak Hooda's unbeaten 47 and Hardik's 12-ball 24 took India to a comfortable win with 16 balls to spare. While reviewing the India-Ireland T20I series opener in a video shared on his YouTube channel, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra pointed out the recent success that Bhuvi has achieved is his second coming. For the unversed, he was the Player-of-the-Series in the India-South Africa T20Is at home. In the Ireland series opener, the 32-year-old pacer attained another feat, becoming the leading wicket-taker in powerplays in T20Is (34). Thus, he went past West Indies spinner Samuel Badree and New Zealand seamer Tim Southee (both with 33 scalps each). "Let's talk about Bhuvi because he has found a second wind. If you had asked me six to eight months back, I would have said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a very good bowler, but he is not in my T20 scheme of things because there was no pace in the deliveries." "There was swing in the hand, but let's be honest, the swing that was always there had also reduced, the pace was slightly going down, and suddenly you are asking that an important component of the bowling is missing, without which it will not work because there are a lot of other bowlers," opined Chopra. ALSO READ | Hardik Pandya, rising up the ranks with MS Dhoni's learnings Chopra further added, "But this is his second wind. You will give him a lot of credit for how well he has bowled. You will also credit the team management for sticking with him continuously, I felt they would not stay with him after the World Cup. But he is continuously improving. The way the ball is swinging from his hand, it's been a revelation of sorts about how well you can get your rhythm back. The speed gun is still showing the same speed but the swing is back. That means Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back. I am really, really happy for him." Bhuvi-starrer India will take on Ireland in the second and final T20I on June 28 (Tuesday) at the same venue.

'He has found....': Former cricketer all praise for star India player after Ireland T20I series opener

Hardik Pandya-led India commenced their short tour of Ireland on Sunday evening (June 26). Taking on the Irish side, India had to wait to take on the field as rain delayed proceedings after Hardik &amp; Co. won the toss and opted to bowl first, at The Village, Dublin.&nbsp;

After the late start, the match was reduced to 12 overs aside where India beat a spirited Andy Balbirnie-led Ireland line-up by seven wickets in pursuit of a tough 109-run target. With the win, Hardik not only made a fitting start on debut as&nbsp;Team India captain, but the 28-year-old all-rounder also achieved a unique feat during the contest.&nbsp;

Captain Hardik came onto bowl in the second over, following swing master and vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The captain made a mark in his first over itself, removing the danger man Paul Stirling for cheap (4). By getting the better of the Irish opener, who is the hosts' main batter, Hardik scripted history. Among the nine players who have captained India in the shortest format, Hardik&nbsp;became the first-ever&nbsp;to claim a T20I scalp. Before him, the likes of Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant have led Men in Blue in T20Is.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/had-a-chat-with-him-hardik-pandya-explains-why-umran-malik-bowled-only-1-over-in-1st-t20i-vs-ireland-492129">'Had a chat with him': Hardik Pandya explains why Umran Malik bowled only 1 over in 1st T20I vs Ireland</a>

Hardik returned with 2-0-26-1 and played a handy knock during India's run-chase. He came in at No. 4, with India losing back-to-back wickets and being reduced to 30 for 2, to stitch a match-winning 64-run third-wicket stand before perishing for a 12-ball 24, striking at a whopping 200. Yuzvendra Chahal, 3-0-11-1, and Deepak Hooda's 47 not out led India to a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first and penultimate T20I versus the Irish camp.

The final T20I will be held at the same venue on Tuesday evening (June 28).&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya-led India commenced their short tour of Ireland on Sunday evening (June 26). Taking on the Irish side, India had to wait to take on the field as rain delayed proceedings after Hardik & Co.

Hardik Pandya-led India commenced their short tour of Ireland on Sunday evening (June 26). Taking on the Irish side, India had to wait to take on the field as rain delayed proceedings after Hardik & Co. won the toss and opted to bowl first, at The Village, Dublin. After the late start, the match was reduced to 12 overs aside where India beat a spirited Andy Balbirnie-led Ireland line-up by seven wickets in pursuit of a tough 109-run target. With the win, Hardik not only made a fitting start on debut as Team India captain, but the 28-year-old all-rounder also achieved a unique feat during the contest. Captain Hardik came onto bowl in the second over, following swing master and vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The captain made a mark in his first over itself, removing the danger man Paul Stirling for cheap (4). By getting the better of the Irish opener, who is the hosts' main batter, Hardik scripted history. Among the nine players who have captained India in the shortest format, Hardik became the first-ever to claim a T20I scalp. Before him, the likes of Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant have led Men in Blue in T20Is. ALSO READ | 'Had a chat with him': Hardik Pandya explains why Umran Malik bowled only 1 over in 1st T20I vs Ireland Hardik returned with 2-0-26-1 and played a handy knock during India's run-chase. He came in at No. 4, with India losing back-to-back wickets and being reduced to 30 for 2, to stitch a match-winning 64-run third-wicket stand before perishing for a 12-ball 24, striking at a whopping 200. Yuzvendra Chahal, 3-0-11-1, and Deepak Hooda's 47 not out led India to a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first and penultimate T20I versus the Irish camp. The final T20I will be held at the same venue on Tuesday evening (June 28).

India vs Ireland: Hardik Pandya attains unique feat, becomes first Indian captain to claim a T20I scalp

Fans were left baffled on social media after Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a '201 kmph' delivery in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (June 26). Bhuvneshwar was once again the pick of the bowlers for the Indian team after producing an economical spell in the rain-affected 12-overs-per-side contest. He finished with excellent figures of 1/16 as India restricted Ireland to 108/4 and&nbsp;won&nbsp;the game by 7 wickets.

While Bhuvneshwar was lauded by many for his bowling exploits, fans were left stunned after witnessing the Indian pacer cross the 200 kmph barrier during the game. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery in international cricket at 161.3 kph.

So did Bhuvneshwar break Akhtar's record by bowling a 201 kmph delivery against Ireland? No, it was a technical error on the part of the speedometer. The incident happened in the very first over of the Ireland innings bowled by Bhuvneshwar. Due to an error on the part of the speed gun, Bhuvneshwar crossed the 200 kmph mark not once but twice in the same over.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/had-a-chat-with-him-hardik-pandya-explains-why-umran-malik-bowled-only-1-over-in-1st-t20i-vs-ireland-492129">'Had a chat with him': Hardik explains why Umran Malik bowled only 1 over in 1st T20I vs Ireland</a>

While his first delivery was recorded at 201 kmph, the second one went up to 208 kmph resulting in hilarious reactions from fans on Twitter. While some compared Bhuvneshwar to the likes of Akhtar and India's latest pace sensation Umran Malik, some had a laugh at the expense of the speed gun error.

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Shoaib Akhtar, Umran Malik who??? Bhuvi just bowled the fastest ball ever. Real pic, just took ss <a href="https://t.co/2wDDDJQ6gK">pic.twitter.com/2wDDDJQ6gK</a>
— Usama Kareem (@UsamaKarem2) <a href="https://twitter.com/UsamaKarem2/status/1541119124822278146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IREvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IREvIND</a> 
 
Bhuvi bowling with 208 km/h <a href="https://t.co/e9pTkYT5nb">pic.twitter.com/e9pTkYT5nb</a>
— A (@AppeFizzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/AppeFizzz/status/1541132342856585217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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If Hasan Ali can bowl at 219 KMPH 
 
Why can't Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowl at 201 KMPH <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IREvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IREvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YNfxvOAM5">pic.twitter.com/0YNfxvOAM5</a>
— Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheYorkerBall/status/1541131824092659712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar just bowled 201 km/hr ball. 
 
Technical Glitch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IREvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IREvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/U1DYD9orvi">pic.twitter.com/U1DYD9orvi</a>
— Piyush Yadav (@impy13ro45) <a href="https://twitter.com/impy13ro45/status/1541122354348437504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/deepak-hood-hardik-pandya-guide-india-to-7-wicket-win-over-ireland-in-rain-affected-1st-t20i-492111">Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya guide India to 7-wicket win over Ireland in rain-affected 1st T20I</a>

While the two deliveries created a lot of buzz on social media due to the peed gun error, it was a terrific first over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar against Ireland where he conceded just 1 runs and picked up the wicket of Andrew Balbirnie. With the dismissa, Bhuvneshwar also achieved a new milestone in his international career as he became the bowler with highest wickets in Powerplay in T20I history.

After restricting Ireland on 108 runs, India chased down the target with 16 balls to spare to register a comfortable seven-wicket win. Deepak Hooda slammed an unbeaten 47 while Ishan Kishan (26) and Hardik Pandya (24) played crucial knocks to hlep India chase down the target of 109 runs easily and take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Fans were left baffled on social media after Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a '201 kmph' delivery in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (June 26).

Fans were left baffled on social media after Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a '201 kmph' delivery in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday (June 26). Bhuvneshwar was once again the pick of the bowlers for the Indian team after producing an economical spell in the rain-affected 12-overs-per-side contest. He finished with excellent figures of 1/16 as India restricted Ireland to 108/4 and won the game by 7 wickets. While Bhuvneshwar was lauded by many for his bowling exploits, fans were left stunned after witnessing the Indian pacer cross the 200 kmph barrier during the game. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery in international cricket at 161.3 kph. So did Bhuvneshwar break Akhtar's record by bowling a 201 kmph delivery against Ireland? No, it was a technical error on the part of the speedometer. The incident happened in the very first over of the Ireland innings bowled by Bhuvneshwar. Due to an error on the part of the speed gun, Bhuvneshwar crossed the 200 kmph mark not once but twice in the same over. Also Read: 'Had a chat with him': Hardik explains why Umran Malik bowled only 1 over in 1st T20I vs Ireland While his first delivery was recorded at 201 kmph, the second one went up to 208 kmph resulting in hilarious reactions from fans on Twitter. While some compared Bhuvneshwar to the likes of Akhtar and India's latest pace sensation Umran Malik, some had a laugh at the expense of the speed gun error. Shoaib Akhtar, Umran Malik who??? Bhuvi just bowled the fastest ball ever. Real pic, just took ss pic.twitter.com/2wDDDJQ6gK — Usama Kareem (@UsamaKarem2) June 26, 2022 × #IREvIND Bhuvi bowling with 208 km/h pic.twitter.com/e9pTkYT5nb — A (@AppeFizzz) June 26, 2022 × If Hasan Ali can bowl at 219 KMPH Why can't Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowl at 201 KMPH #IREvIND pic.twitter.com/0YNfxvOAM5 — Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) June 26, 2022 × Bhuvneshwar Kumar just bowled 201 km/hr ball. Technical Glitch #IREvIND pic.twitter.com/U1DYD9orvi — Piyush Yadav (@impy13ro45) June 26, 2022 × Also Read: Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya guide India to 7-wicket win over Ireland in rain-affected 1st T20I While the two deliveries created a lot of buzz on social media due to the peed gun error, it was a terrific first over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar against Ireland where he conceded just 1 runs and picked up the wicket of Andrew Balbirnie. With the dismissa, Bhuvneshwar also achieved a new milestone in his international career as he became the bowler with highest wickets in Powerplay in T20I history. After restricting Ireland on 108 runs, India chased down the target with 16 balls to spare to register a comfortable seven-wicket win. Deepak Hooda slammed an unbeaten 47 while Ishan Kishan (26) and Hardik Pandya (24) played crucial knocks to hlep India chase down the target of 109 runs easily and take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

'Shoaib Akhtar who?': Twitter left baffled as Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls '201 kmph' delivery vs Ireland

Hardik Pandya will be leading Team India for the first time in his career when they take on Ireland in the first T20I of the two-match series at The Village in Dublin on Sunday (June 26). India's Test squad is currently playing a warm-up game against Leicestershire ahead of the rescheduled fifth Test against England while the Hardik-led second-string Indian T20I side will be in action against Ireland at the same time.

Though it is not a full-strength team, India still have the likes of Surykaumar Yadav, Hardik, Ishan Kishan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar among others at their disposal as the preparations for T20 World Cup 2022 continue. Hardik, who is coming off a brilliant IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans followed by an impressive outing against South Africa at home, will be keen to get off to a winning start as captain.

Hardik led his team Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden IPL title in their debut season this year and was elevated to captaincy for the Ireland T20Is in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul. Despite missing a number of key players, India have fielded a strong squad for the two-match rubber.

Suryakumar will be making his comeback from injury after missing the home series against South Africa earlier this month while Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi are also part of the squad to bolster the batting line-up. Ishan Kishan and Ruturak Gaikwad are expected to open the batting and Deepak Hood might get a chance in the top four.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-very-deserving-of-coming-close-to-a-test-squad-sanjay-manjrekar-lauds-sarfaraz-khan-after-dream-run-491914">He is very deserving of coming close to a Test squad:&nbsp;Manjrekar lauds Sarfaraz Khan after dream run</a>

India also have a strong bowling line-up which will be spearheaded by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Men in Bue might hand young pace sensation Umran Malik his India debut in the series-opener or play pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has shown a lot of promise in the IPL over the last few seasons.&nbsp;

Dinesh Karthik is certain to continue in the lower-middle order as the designated finisher in the side while Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the spin pack with Axar Patel to support him. India will be hopeful of making a winning start to the series.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-can-match-kapil-devs-feat-as-india-captaincy-beckons-after-rohit-sharmas-positive-covid-test-491888">Bumrah can match Kapil Dev's feat as India captaincy beckons after Rohit Sharma's positive covid test</a>

India's predicted playing XI for 1st T20I against Ireland:

Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson. Hardik Pandya (c), Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan/Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Hardik Pandya will be leading Team India for the first time in his career when they take on Ireland in the first T20I of the two-match series at The Village in Dublin on Sunday (June 26).

Hardik Pandya will be leading Team India for the first time in his career when they take on Ireland in the first T20I of the two-match series at The Village in Dublin on Sunday (June 26). India's Test squad is currently playing a warm-up game against Leicestershire ahead of the rescheduled fifth Test against England while the Hardik-led second-string Indian T20I side will be in action against Ireland at the same time. Though it is not a full-strength team, India still have the likes of Surykaumar Yadav, Hardik, Ishan Kishan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar among others at their disposal as the preparations for T20 World Cup 2022 continue. Hardik, who is coming off a brilliant IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans followed by an impressive outing against South Africa at home, will be keen to get off to a winning start as captain. Hardik led his team Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden IPL title in their debut season this year and was elevated to captaincy for the Ireland T20Is in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain KL Rahul. Despite missing a number of key players, India have fielded a strong squad for the two-match rubber. Suryakumar will be making his comeback from injury after missing the home series against South Africa earlier this month while Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi are also part of the squad to bolster the batting line-up. Ishan Kishan and Ruturak Gaikwad are expected to open the batting and Deepak Hood might get a chance in the top four. Also Read: He is very deserving of coming close to a Test squad: Manjrekar lauds Sarfaraz Khan after dream run India also have a strong bowling line-up which will be spearheaded by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Men in Bue might hand young pace sensation Umran Malik his India debut in the series-opener or play pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has shown a lot of promise in the IPL over the last few seasons. Dinesh Karthik is certain to continue in the lower-middle order as the designated finisher in the side while Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the spin pack with Axar Patel to support him. India will be hopeful of making a winning start to the series. Also Read: Bumrah can match Kapil Dev's feat as India captaincy beckons after Rohit Sharma's positive covid test India's predicted playing XI for 1st T20I against Ireland: Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson. Hardik Pandya (c), Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan/Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh to feature? India's predicted playing XI for 1st T20I against Ireland

Hardik Pandya remains the talk of the town. He made a sensational comeback in competitive cricket, after the 2021 T20 World Cup, after having missed a plethora of series for Team India due to his fitness issues. In his break, he worked on his fitness and has returned in style, not only fulfilling the role of an all-rounder, but the 28-year-old has also shown his flair as a leader.&nbsp;

During IPL 2022, Hardik led the debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) and took them to their maiden championship. His leadership style was hailed by many -- being calm and composed, positive, leading by the front and backing his core players -- as he also had a good run in the recently-concluded India-South Africa T20Is at home. India are now set to play Ireland in two T20Is, where Hardik will lead a second-stringed side. Ahead of his captaincy debut for India, former Indian stumper and&nbsp;selector Saba Karim lauded the all-rounder and stated that the youngster is still a different leader than MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, despite being groomed by them since his debut.

Speaking on TOI's podcast 'Sportscast', Karim said, "I think Hardik Pandya, although he spent a lot of time with MS Dhoni, spent a lot of time with Virat Kohli, he has his own brand of captaincy and the way he plays his cricket is so different from what Virat does or what MS Dhoni does. So you learn from so many great individuals who have been part of the side, but eventually, you bring your own leadership style onto the field and I think that's what he did."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhonis-international-career-got-over-but-aakash-chopra-lauds-dinesh-karthik-after-sa-t20is-489877">'MS Dhoni's international career got over but....' - Aakash Chopra lauds Dinesh Karthik after SA T20Is</a>

Karim was part of the selection committee when Hardik made his debut for India, in early 2016 during a white-ball tour of Australia. Recalling the time, Karim opined that Hardik has impressed with his maturity, change in lifestyle, etc. to bring desired results as a cricketer.

"If I remember correctly, he made his debut in 2015-16 (January 2016 in a T20I vs Australia in Adelaide), when I was part of the selection committee and since then he has grown not only as a person but also as a cricketer and it seemed like it had come to a stage where he really had to reinvent his lifestyle to become a more mature cricketer and that's what was seen in this season's IPL. And that is remarkable - it's not easy for athletes to do that at that level," he further added.

Hardik Pandya remains the talk of the town. He made a sensational comeback in competitive cricket, after the 2021 T20 World Cup, after having missed a plethora of series for Team India due to his fitness issues.

Hardik Pandya remains the talk of the town. He made a sensational comeback in competitive cricket, after the 2021 T20 World Cup, after having missed a plethora of series for Team India due to his fitness issues. In his break, he worked on his fitness and has returned in style, not only fulfilling the role of an all-rounder, but the 28-year-old has also shown his flair as a leader. During IPL 2022, Hardik led the debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) and took them to their maiden championship. His leadership style was hailed by many -- being calm and composed, positive, leading by the front and backing his core players -- as he also had a good run in the recently-concluded India-South Africa T20Is at home. India are now set to play Ireland in two T20Is, where Hardik will lead a second-stringed side. Ahead of his captaincy debut for India, former Indian stumper and selector Saba Karim lauded the all-rounder and stated that the youngster is still a different leader than MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, despite being groomed by them since his debut. Speaking on TOI's podcast 'Sportscast', Karim said, "I think Hardik Pandya, although he spent a lot of time with MS Dhoni, spent a lot of time with Virat Kohli, he has his own brand of captaincy and the way he plays his cricket is so different from what Virat does or what MS Dhoni does. So you learn from so many great individuals who have been part of the side, but eventually, you bring your own leadership style onto the field and I think that's what he did." ALSO READ | 'MS Dhoni's international career got over but....' - Aakash Chopra lauds Dinesh Karthik after SA T20Is Karim was part of the selection committee when Hardik made his debut for India, in early 2016 during a white-ball tour of Australia. Recalling the time, Karim opined that Hardik has impressed with his maturity, change in lifestyle, etc. to bring desired results as a cricketer. "If I remember correctly, he made his debut in 2015-16 (January 2016 in a T20I vs Australia in Adelaide), when I was part of the selection committee and since then he has grown not only as a person but also as a cricketer and it seemed like it had come to a stage where he really had to reinvent his lifestyle to become a more mature cricketer and that's what was seen in this season's IPL. And that is remarkable - it's not easy for athletes to do that at that level," he further added.

Hardik Pandya spent a lot of time with Dhoni, Virat but has his own brand of captaincy: Ex-India stumper

Rahul Tewatia had recently reacted with a cryptic tweet after getting snubbed from India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland. India recently announced a 17-member squad for the two-match series against the hosts which begins on the 26th of June. In the absence of a number of senior players, who have been rested for the series, a number of youngsters made the cut into the squad.

However, all-rounder Tewatia, who had a fabulous campaign with the bat for champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the recently-concluded IPL 2022, was not named in the squad. Dejected by the snub, Tewatia had taken to Twitter and wrote - 'expectations hurts' just minutes after the squad was announced by the BCCI.

While his snub came as a surprise to many considering he was in great form in IPL 2022 and played some good finishing cameos for the Titans to help them lift their maiden title in their debut season, some felt he was not in the fay as he was also not part of the T20I series against South Africa at home which concluded on Sunday (June 19).

When asked about Tewatia expressing his frustration over missing out on a spot in the Indian squad for the T20I series against Ireland, South Africa legend Graeme Smith shared a piece of advice for the all-rounder and asked him to focus on improving his performances rather than venting out on Twitter to ensure he is not snubbed by the selectors in the future.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-cheteshwar-pujara-open-against-england-in-kl-rahuls-absence-bccis-post-hints-at-indias-opening-pair-489990">Will&nbsp;Pujara open against England in KL Rahul's absence? BCCI's post hints at India's opening pair</a>

“It’s very difficult in India as you guys have so much talent. And coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma must have had picked their majority of guys anticipating the conditions in Australia. I would say instead of Twitter, focus, perform and next time your time comes make sure no one can leave you out,” Smith told Star Sports.

Tewatia was roped in by Gujarat Titans at the IPL mega auction earlier this year for a huge sum of Rs 9 crore (INR 90 million) and lived up to his hefty price tag by delivering consistently with the willow. He scored 217 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 147.61 and played some valuable knocks in the lower-middle order.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-stamp-that-says-rishabh-pant-will-surely-play-in-t20-wc-2022-ex-india-pacer-makes-big-statement-489920">No stamp that says Rishabh Pant will surely play in T20 WC 2022: Ex-India pacer makes big statement</a>

While Smith suggested he work hard to get a chance in the Indian squad in the future, India legend Sunil Gavaskar said the all-rounder deserved to be in the squad for the Ireland series after his heroics in IPL 2022. Lauding his finishing abilities, Gavaskar said his hard work should have been recognised.

“Rahul Tewatia should have been in team for Ireland. The one man who should have been in the team was Iceman Rahul Tewatia. He was superb in IPL. He batted cleverly throughout the tournament. Someone who shows that kind of temperament should have been in the team at least as 16th member of the team. At least his hard work should have been recognized,” said Gavaskar.

Rahul Tewatia had recently reacted with a cryptic tweet after getting snubbed from India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland. India recently announced a 17-member squad for the two-match series against the hosts which begins on the 26th of June.

Rahul Tewatia had recently reacted with a cryptic tweet after getting snubbed from India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland. India recently announced a 17-member squad for the two-match series against the hosts which begins on the 26th of June. In the absence of a number of senior players, who have been rested for the series, a number of youngsters made the cut into the squad. However, all-rounder Tewatia, who had a fabulous campaign with the bat for champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the recently-concluded IPL 2022, was not named in the squad. Dejected by the snub, Tewatia had taken to Twitter and wrote - 'expectations hurts' just minutes after the squad was announced by the BCCI. While his snub came as a surprise to many considering he was in great form in IPL 2022 and played some good finishing cameos for the Titans to help them lift their maiden title in their debut season, some felt he was not in the fay as he was also not part of the T20I series against South Africa at home which concluded on Sunday (June 19). When asked about Tewatia expressing his frustration over missing out on a spot in the Indian squad for the T20I series against Ireland, South Africa legend Graeme Smith shared a piece of advice for the all-rounder and asked him to focus on improving his performances rather than venting out on Twitter to ensure he is not snubbed by the selectors in the future. Also Read: Will Pujara open against England in KL Rahul's absence? BCCI's post hints at India's opening pair “It’s very difficult in India as you guys have so much talent. And coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma must have had picked their majority of guys anticipating the conditions in Australia. I would say instead of Twitter, focus, perform and next time your time comes make sure no one can leave you out,” Smith told Star Sports. Tewatia was roped in by Gujarat Titans at the IPL mega auction earlier this year for a huge sum of Rs 9 crore (INR 90 million) and lived up to his hefty price tag by delivering consistently with the willow. He scored 217 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 147.61 and played some valuable knocks in the lower-middle order. Also Read: No stamp that says Rishabh Pant will surely play in T20 WC 2022: Ex-India pacer makes big statement While Smith suggested he work hard to get a chance in the Indian squad in the future, India legend Sunil Gavaskar said the all-rounder deserved to be in the squad for the Ireland series after his heroics in IPL 2022. Lauding his finishing abilities, Gavaskar said his hard work should have been recognised. “Rahul Tewatia should have been in team for Ireland. The one man who should have been in the team was Iceman Rahul Tewatia. He was superb in IPL. He batted cleverly throughout the tournament. Someone who shows that kind of temperament should have been in the team at least as 16th member of the team. At least his hard work should have been recognized,” said Gavaskar.

'Instead of Twitter, focus on performing': South Africa legend tells Rahul Tewatia after Team India snub

On Wednesday (June 15), Hardik Pandya was named as India's captain for their upcoming two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin. Thus, Hardik will get a chance to lead India for the first time as he has been rightly rewarded for his maiden stint as an IPL skipper in the 15th season, where he led debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) to the championship.

Thus, Hardik joins the likes of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah who are among the younger lot being considered for India captain after Rohit Sharma's stint is over. Ahead of Hardik's captaincy stint for India, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has picked him as the next white-ball captain after Rohit. In addition, Jaffer wants Hardik to be India's first choice vice-captain in the shorter formats, instead of KL Rahul.&nbsp;

“He deserves it. Going forward, Indian selectors should look at him seriously for leading in white ball cricket. Especially if Rohit Sharma is not available, Hardik Pandya should be the first choice in my opinion. The way he led in the IPL, the way his performances came through, he is somebody who relishes that job. Going forward he is probably my number one choice after Rohit Sharma,” said Jaffer on ESPNCricinfo. &nbsp;

“If Rohit is playing, I would like Hardik to be the vice-captain in white ball cricket. He is somebody who enjoys their job and gets the best out of himself and others. Everybody feels at home and he gets the best out of the other players. So he is my next in line after Rohit Sharma,” added Jaffer.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-ireland-t20is-hes-most-matured-captain-from-younger-lot-aakash-chopra-on-hardik-pandya-488776">India vs Ireland T20Is: 'He's most matured captain from younger lot' - Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya</a>

While Hardik has been named as the captain for the Ireland tour, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will serve as his deputy whereas many young and uncapped IPL stars such as Umran Malik, Rahul Tripathi, Arshdeep Singh are also part of the 17-member squad. Dinesh Karthik has retained his spot whereas Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson make a comeback.&nbsp;

India's T20I squad:&nbsp;Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

On Wednesday (June 15), Hardik Pandya was named as India's captain for their upcoming two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin. Thus, Hardik will get a chance to lead India for the first time as he has been rightly rewarded for his maiden stint as an IPL skipper in the 15th season, where he led debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) to the championship.

On Wednesday (June 15), Hardik Pandya was named as India's captain for their upcoming two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin. Thus, Hardik will get a chance to lead India for the first time as he has been rightly rewarded for his maiden stint as an IPL skipper in the 15th season, where he led debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) to the championship. Thus, Hardik joins the likes of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah who are among the younger lot being considered for India captain after Rohit Sharma's stint is over. Ahead of Hardik's captaincy stint for India, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has picked him as the next white-ball captain after Rohit. In addition, Jaffer wants Hardik to be India's first choice vice-captain in the shorter formats, instead of KL Rahul. “He deserves it. Going forward, Indian selectors should look at him seriously for leading in white ball cricket. Especially if Rohit Sharma is not available, Hardik Pandya should be the first choice in my opinion. The way he led in the IPL, the way his performances came through, he is somebody who relishes that job. Going forward he is probably my number one choice after Rohit Sharma,” said Jaffer on ESPNCricinfo. “If Rohit is playing, I would like Hardik to be the vice-captain in white ball cricket. He is somebody who enjoys their job and gets the best out of himself and others. Everybody feels at home and he gets the best out of the other players. So he is my next in line after Rohit Sharma,” added Jaffer. ALSO READ | India vs Ireland T20Is: 'He's most matured captain from younger lot' - Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya While Hardik has been named as the captain for the Ireland tour, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will serve as his deputy whereas many young and uncapped IPL stars such as Umran Malik, Rahul Tripathi, Arshdeep Singh are also part of the 17-member squad. Dinesh Karthik has retained his spot whereas Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson make a comeback. India's T20I squad: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

'He's my next captain in-line after Rohit Sharma in white-ball formats': Wasim Jaffer on star India player

On Wednesday evening (June 15), the BCCI selection committee announced a 17-member Team India squad for the forthcoming two T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin. With regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and many other white-ball regulars to be in England to prepare for the one-off Test, Hardik Pandya has been named as the Indian captain for the Ireland series.

Hardik will, thus, get a chance to lead India for the first time ever. In IPL 2022, the talented all-rounder had led the debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden championship and led with example with both bat and ball, ending with 487 runs and eight wickets (three of them coming in the final). Thus, a lot is expected from Hardik the captain, who will have Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his deputy for the Ireland tour.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-pandya-named-india-captain-for-t20i-series-against-ireland-488520">Hardik Pandya appointed Team India skipper for T20Is versus Ireland</a>

After his appointment, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra reacted to the new development and lauded Hardik. "Rise and rise of Hardik Pandya. Even though he’s captained only one seasonI feel that he’s the most mature captain amongst the younger lot of contenders. Here’s wishing him all the very best for the first assignment for Team India," Chopra said exclusively on the Koo app.

While Hardik hasn't led India when compared to some other youngsters such as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, he has operated in a much better wat than them during IPL 15. Hence, a lot is expected of him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gujarat-titans-finisher-rahul-tewatia-responds-to-team-india-snub-for-ireland-t20is-488641">Gujarat Titans' finisher Rahul Tewatia responds to Team India snub for Ireland T20Is</a>

The Hardik-starrer Indian squad comprises several IPL stars such as Rahul Tripathi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Umran Malik whereas it also sees the return of Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshal Patel, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel -- who are part of the ongoing home T20Is versus South Africa -- have also been retained.

India`s T20I squad:&nbsp;Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

On Wednesday evening (June 15), the BCCI selection committee announced a 17-member Team India squad for the forthcoming two T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin. With regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and many other white-ball regulars to be in England to prepare for the one-off Test, Hardik Pandya has been named as the Indian captain for the Ireland series.

On Wednesday evening (June 15), the BCCI selection committee announced a 17-member Team India squad for the forthcoming two T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin. With regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and many other white-ball regulars to be in England to prepare for the one-off Test, Hardik Pandya has been named as the Indian captain for the Ireland series. Hardik will, thus, get a chance to lead India for the first time ever. In IPL 2022, the talented all-rounder had led the debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden championship and led with example with both bat and ball, ending with 487 runs and eight wickets (three of them coming in the final). Thus, a lot is expected from Hardik the captain, who will have Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his deputy for the Ireland tour. ALSO READ | Hardik Pandya appointed Team India skipper for T20Is versus Ireland After his appointment, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra reacted to the new development and lauded Hardik. "Rise and rise of Hardik Pandya. Even though he’s captained only one seasonI feel that he’s the most mature captain amongst the younger lot of contenders. Here’s wishing him all the very best for the first assignment for Team India," Chopra said exclusively on the Koo app. While Hardik hasn't led India when compared to some other youngsters such as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, he has operated in a much better wat than them during IPL 15. Hence, a lot is expected of him. ALSO READ | Gujarat Titans' finisher Rahul Tewatia responds to Team India snub for Ireland T20Is The Hardik-starrer Indian squad comprises several IPL stars such as Rahul Tripathi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Umran Malik whereas it also sees the return of Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshal Patel, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel -- who are part of the ongoing home T20Is versus South Africa -- have also been retained. India`s T20I squad: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

India vs Ireland T20Is: 'He's most matured captain from younger lot' - Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya

On Wednesday evening (June 15), the BCCI selection committee announced a 17-member Team India squad for the forthcoming two-match T20I series versus hosts Ireland. Ahead of India's rescheduled fifth and final Test versus Ben Stokes-led England, in early July at Edgbaston, the Men in Blue are also scheduled to play Ireland for two T20Is.

Thus, for the short series, BCCI appointed Hardik Pandya as the captain&nbsp;with Bhuvneshwar Kumar serving as his deputy. The likes of regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, vice-captain KL Rahul (if fit), Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. will be preparing for the one-off red-ball match versus hosts England when Hardik &amp; Co. will play the Irish side in their own backyard, on June 26 and 28.

While the T20I squad comprises some experienced campaigners and has a host of young stars from the IPL, Gujarat Titans' (GT) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia was overlooked. Hence, the swashbuckling left-hander reacted to the Team India snub via a tweet from his official account:&nbsp;

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Expectations hurts 😒😒
— Rahul Tewatia (@rahultewatia02) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahultewatia02/status/1537153958153576448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-pandya-named-india-captain-for-t20i-series-against-ireland-488520">Hardik Pandya appointed Team India skipper for T20Is versus Ireland</a>

For the unversed, Tewatia had a decent IPL 2022, where he amassed&nbsp;217 runs at a strike rate of 147.61. With India's T20I line-up comprising several all-rounders such as captain Hardik, Bhuvi (who can bat a bit), Axar Patel, Venky Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Harshal Patel, Tewatia missed the bus. As he&nbsp;didn't bowl a single over in the 15th season of the IPL, it might have gone against his selection.

The 29-year-old still has reasons to be disappointed as he fared well as a finisher in IPL 15, better than Venky Iyer (with only 182 runs in 12 games, striking below 110), and this also can be termed as a huge&nbsp;opportunity missed with many white-ball regulars not part of the squad.

India's T20I squad:&nbsp;Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

On Wednesday evening (June 15), the BCCI selection committee announced a 17-member Team India squad for the forthcoming two-match T20I series versus hosts Ireland.

On Wednesday evening (June 15), the BCCI selection committee announced a 17-member Team India squad for the forthcoming two-match T20I series versus hosts Ireland. Ahead of India's rescheduled fifth and final Test versus Ben Stokes-led England, in early July at Edgbaston, the Men in Blue are also scheduled to play Ireland for two T20Is. Thus, for the short series, BCCI appointed Hardik Pandya as the captain with Bhuvneshwar Kumar serving as his deputy. The likes of regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, vice-captain KL Rahul (if fit), Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. will be preparing for the one-off red-ball match versus hosts England when Hardik & Co. will play the Irish side in their own backyard, on June 26 and 28. While the T20I squad comprises some experienced campaigners and has a host of young stars from the IPL, Gujarat Titans' (GT) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia was overlooked. Hence, the swashbuckling left-hander reacted to the Team India snub via a tweet from his official account: Expectations hurts 😒😒 — Rahul Tewatia (@rahultewatia02) June 15, 2022 × ALSO READ | Hardik Pandya appointed Team India skipper for T20Is versus Ireland For the unversed, Tewatia had a decent IPL 2022, where he amassed 217 runs at a strike rate of 147.61. With India's T20I line-up comprising several all-rounders such as captain Hardik, Bhuvi (who can bat a bit), Axar Patel, Venky Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Harshal Patel, Tewatia missed the bus. As he didn't bowl a single over in the 15th season of the IPL, it might have gone against his selection. The 29-year-old still has reasons to be disappointed as he fared well as a finisher in IPL 15, better than Venky Iyer (with only 182 runs in 12 games, striking below 110), and this also can be termed as a huge opportunity missed with many white-ball regulars not part of the squad. India's T20I squad: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

Gujarat Titans' finisher Rahul Tewatia responds to Team India snub for Ireland T20Is

A lot pf speculations were there over Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. Having not played for Team India since the 2021 T20 World Cup, the star all-rounder was preparing himself for the 15th IPL season, in a bid to showcase his fitness and return to the Indian white-ball squads.

In the ongoing IPL season, the 28-year-old Hardik has stunned one and all with his all-round blitz and captaincy. Leading for the first time, Hardik has led with aplomb to take the debutant franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) to the final. With the bat, he has amassed 453 runs -- his best in any season -- and has bowled some tidy overs and accounted for five scalps. Thus, his stocks as a captain has risen and the all-rounder is in-line to lead India's second-stringed T20I side for the upcoming Ireland tour. It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid pair will be involved with the Test line-up, at the same time, for the one-off match versus England.

“Hardik has been impressive. What is more satisfying is that he has become a very responsible player as a captain. He is certainly in the scheme of things for the captaincy role for the Ireland tour,”&nbsp;a member of the selection committee was quoted as saying by&nbsp;InsideSport.

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-secretary-jay-shah-confirms-vvs-laxman-to-be-in-charge-of-indias-t20i-side-for-ireland-series-482148">BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirms VVS Laxman to be in charge of India's T20I side for Ireland series</a>

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Thus, Hardik could lead India for the first time in any format during the Ireland T20Is, which will get underway on June 26. Moreover, BCCI has confirmed that VVS Laxman -- the NCA chief -- will fill in for regular coach Dravid and be in charge of India for the Ireland series. "He will travel with the Indian team to Dublin" said Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary.
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At present, Hardik-led Gujarat is in the IPL 2022 final and will play the winner of Qualifier 2, which will see Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face Rajasthan Royals (RR).
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A lot pf speculations were there over Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. Having not played for Team India since the 2021 T20 World Cup, the star all-rounder was preparing himself for the 15th IPL season, in a bid to showcase his fitness and return to the Indian white-ball squads.

A lot pf speculations were there over Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2022 edition. Having not played for Team India since the 2021 T20 World Cup, the star all-rounder was preparing himself for the 15th IPL season, in a bid to showcase his fitness and return to the Indian white-ball squads. In the ongoing IPL season, the 28-year-old Hardik has stunned one and all with his all-round blitz and captaincy. Leading for the first time, Hardik has led with aplomb to take the debutant franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) to the final. With the bat, he has amassed 453 runs -- his best in any season -- and has bowled some tidy overs and accounted for five scalps. Thus, his stocks as a captain has risen and the all-rounder is in-line to lead India's second-stringed T20I side for the upcoming Ireland tour. It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid pair will be involved with the Test line-up, at the same time, for the one-off match versus England. “Hardik has been impressive. What is more satisfying is that he has become a very responsible player as a captain. He is certainly in the scheme of things for the captaincy role for the Ireland tour,” a member of the selection committee was quoted as saying by InsideSport. ALSO READ | BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirms VVS Laxman to be in charge of India's T20I side for Ireland series Thus, Hardik could lead India for the first time in any format during the Ireland T20Is, which will get underway on June 26. Moreover, BCCI has confirmed that VVS Laxman -- the NCA chief -- will fill in for regular coach Dravid and be in charge of India for the Ireland series. "He will travel with the Indian team to Dublin" said Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary. At present, Hardik-led Gujarat is in the IPL 2022 final and will play the winner of Qualifier 2, which will see Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Hardik Pandya's captaincy stocks on the rise, star player could lead Team India in Ireland T20Is: Report

BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had revealed that his former teammate and Test specialist VVS Laxman was eager to be India's head coach when Ravi Shastri's tenure was set to end in late 2021. However, the position went to Laxman's good friend Rahul Dravid.

Nonetheless, Laxman -- who is now serving as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) -- is set to take charge of India's T20I squad for the upcoming two-match series versus hosts Ireland. The former middle-order batter will fill in for Dravid, who will be with the Indian Test line-up ahead of their fifth and final match versus England in the United Kingdom, set to be held on July 01.

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"He will travel with the Indian team to Dublin" said Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, confirming that Laxman will take charge&nbsp;in the absence of&nbsp;Dravid.&nbsp;
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-chief-selector-reacts-to-cheteshwar-pujaras-test-comeback-for-india-england-series-finale-482085">Former chief selector reacts to Cheteshwar Pujara's Test comeback for India-England series finale</a>

The arrangement is similar to the one Team India had last year. During India's tour of the United Kingdom, after&nbsp;the WTC final and prior to the&nbsp;five Tests versus then Joe Root-led England, regular coach Shastri was with Virat Kohli-starrer red-ball team whereas Dravid had stepped in as the stand-in coach of the white-ball side who had travelled to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and T20Is each.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-has-amazing-reflexes-like-f1-driver-and-mind-like-5-star-general-says-team-indias-former-trainer-482128">MS Dhoni has amazing reflexes like F1 driver and mind like 5-star General, says Team India's former trainer</a>

This will be Laxman's first-ever assignment in a coaching role for the senior men's team. Earlier this year, he was a part of the backroom staff of the India U-19 team that lifted the trophy in the Caribbean island, beating England in the final.

The squad for the Ireland T20Is is yet to be announced by the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee.
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BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had revealed that his former teammate and Test specialist VVS Laxman was eager to be India's head coach when Ravi Shastri's tenure was set to end in late 2021.

BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had revealed that his former teammate and Test specialist VVS Laxman was eager to be India's head coach when Ravi Shastri's tenure was set to end in late 2021. However, the position went to Laxman's good friend Rahul Dravid. Nonetheless, Laxman -- who is now serving as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) -- is set to take charge of India's T20I squad for the upcoming two-match series versus hosts Ireland. The former middle-order batter will fill in for Dravid, who will be with the Indian Test line-up ahead of their fifth and final match versus England in the United Kingdom, set to be held on July 01. "He will travel with the Indian team to Dublin" said Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, confirming that Laxman will take charge in the absence of Dravid. ALSO READ | Former chief selector reacts to Cheteshwar Pujara's Test comeback for India-England series finale The arrangement is similar to the one Team India had last year. During India's tour of the United Kingdom, after the WTC final and prior to the five Tests versus then Joe Root-led England, regular coach Shastri was with Virat Kohli-starrer red-ball team whereas Dravid had stepped in as the stand-in coach of the white-ball side who had travelled to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and T20Is each. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni has amazing reflexes like F1 driver and mind like 5-star General, says Team India's former trainer This will be Laxman's first-ever assignment in a coaching role for the senior men's team. Earlier this year, he was a part of the backroom staff of the India U-19 team that lifted the trophy in the Caribbean island, beating England in the final. The squad for the Ireland T20Is is yet to be announced by the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirms VVS Laxman to be in charge of India's T20I side for Ireland series

Team India's cricketing calendar will resume as soon as the IPL 2022 edition concludes, on May 29. The senior men's team's hectic schedule will once again see two teams in action at the same time, as was the case last year. A white-ball squad will face South Africa at home and Ireland in their own backyard, whereas the red-ball team will be on the England tour in June-July.&nbsp;

Thus, the Indian team&nbsp;will have two captains leading the national side simultaneously&nbsp;along with&nbsp;two coaching staff&nbsp;at work. In head coach Rahul Dravid's absence, who will be with the Test line-up, National Cricket Academy's (NCA) current head VVS Laxman is likely to step in his former teammate's role and act as the head coach for the white-ball assignments versus SA and Ireland.&nbsp;Earlier this year, the former Test specialist had assisted the victorious Yash Dhull-led India U-19 team in&nbsp;the Junior World Cup in West Indies.

“We now have a warm-up game against Leicestershire on June 24 before the Birmingham Test. Rahul Dravid&nbsp;and team will leave on June 15th or 16th. We will be asking VVS (Laxman) to step in for India South Africa T20’s and Ireland T20’s," a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by&nbsp;InsideSport.in.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-would-remember-me-if-i-scored-tons-at-sachin-gangulys-pace-says-ex-indian-opener-virender-sehwag-479904">Nobody would remember me if I scored tons at Sachin, Ganguly's pace, says ex-Indian opener Virender Sehwag</a>

In mid-2021, a similar such arrangement was made within the Indian team. In June-July, the then head coach Ravi Shastri was with the Virat Kohli-led Indian team in the United Kingdom for the WTC final&nbsp;and England Tests. On the other hand, the previous NCA chief Dravid took over the coaching role for the Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian side touring Sri Lanka, during the same time in late July.

Team India's cricketing calendar will resume as soon as the IPL 2022 edition concludes, on May 29. The senior men's team's hectic schedule will once again see two teams in action at the same time, as was the case last year.

Team India's cricketing calendar will resume as soon as the IPL 2022 edition concludes, on May 29. The senior men's team's hectic schedule will once again see two teams in action at the same time, as was the case last year. A white-ball squad will face South Africa at home and Ireland in their own backyard, whereas the red-ball team will be on the England tour in June-July. Thus, the Indian team will have two captains leading the national side simultaneously along with two coaching staff at work. In head coach Rahul Dravid's absence, who will be with the Test line-up, National Cricket Academy's (NCA) current head VVS Laxman is likely to step in his former teammate's role and act as the head coach for the white-ball assignments versus SA and Ireland. Earlier this year, the former Test specialist had assisted the victorious Yash Dhull-led India U-19 team in the Junior World Cup in West Indies. “We now have a warm-up game against Leicestershire on June 24 before the Birmingham Test. Rahul Dravid and team will leave on June 15th or 16th. We will be asking VVS (Laxman) to step in for India South Africa T20’s and Ireland T20’s," a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by InsideSport.in. ALSO READ | Nobody would remember me if I scored tons at Sachin, Ganguly's pace, says ex-Indian opener Virender Sehwag In mid-2021, a similar such arrangement was made within the Indian team. In June-July, the then head coach Ravi Shastri was with the Virat Kohli-led Indian team in the United Kingdom for the WTC final and England Tests. On the other hand, the previous NCA chief Dravid took over the coaching role for the Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian side touring Sri Lanka, during the same time in late July.

NCA chief VVS Laxman likely to don head coach's hat for SA, Ireland series in Rahul Dravid's absence: Report

Record four-time champions and title contenders India stormed into the Super League quarterfinals of the U-19 World Cup after thrashing minnows Ireland by 174 runs in a league game here, in which they barely managed to field a playing XI.

India started their campaign on a winning note, beating South Africa by 45 runs on last Saturday and the win on Wednesday by such a huge margin is significant as the team fielded only available 11 players after six members of the side were forced into isolation after testing COVID positive.

Put into bat at the Brian Lara stadium, India first rode on Harnoor Singh's brisk 88 and his opening partner Angkrish Raghuvanshi's run-a-ball 79 to post a challenging 307 for five.

The Hrishikesh Kanitkar-coached side then bundled out the opposition for 133 in 39 overs to register a comfortable win. 
Skipper Yash Dhull and his deputy Sheikh Rasheed were among those isolated after testing positive as Nishant Sindhu led the side.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/india-vs-sa-temba-bavuma-rassie-van-der-dussens-centuries-help-proteas-win-1st-odi-by-31-runs-446032">India vs SA: Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen's centuries help Proteas win 1st ODI by 31 runs</a>

Left-handed Harnoor and Angriksh stitched a 164-run stand at the top to ensure Indian bowlers had a decent total to defend. 
Harnoor hit 12 fours in his 101-ball knock while Angriksh found 10 boundaries and two sixes.

Stand-in skipper Nishant Sindhu (36 off 34; 5x4s) and Raj Bawa (42 off 64; 2x4s; 1x6) then shared a 64-run stand for the third wicket. 
As big hits dried up towards the end, Rajvardhan Hangargekar struck five sixes, including a hat-trick of maximums in the last over, in his fiery 17-ball 39-run unbeaten cameo that took India past the 300-run mark.

Harnoor, who has been in sparkling form, drove the ball elegantly. If it was pitched up on the middle and leg, the left-hander from Jalandhar flicked it exquisitely. The ones pitched up on the off-side were driven in the cover region as Harnoor ticked the board nicely. 
In contrast, Angriksh chose to muscle the ball around. He cut, pulled and also drove in an aggressive manner as none of the Ireland bowlers could trouble the Indian openers.

Harnoor pulled left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys (1/69) over deep mid-wicket for a six to raise his half-century. It was the same bowler who trapped him leg before later. Angkrish was dismissed by spinner Jamie Forbes (1/38).

Chasing 308, Ireland were teetering at 17 for three after losing both openers Liam Doherty (7), David Vincent (8) and Jack Dickson (0) cheaply inside seven overs. Ireland never recovered from the early blows as right-arm medium pacer Garv Sangwan (2/23) sent back skipper Tim Tector (15) in the 15th over.

Wicket-keeper Joshua Cox (28 off 46 balls) tried to take the game deep, but it was too little and too late. Sangwan struck again, this time removing Cox in the 21st over as Ireland lost half of its side for 66.

Scott Macbeth (32) only delayed the inevitable before India bowled out Ireland for 133. Left-arm orthodox spinner Aneeshwar Gautam (2/11 ) and off-spinner Kaushal Tambe (2/8) cleaned up the lower middle order and tail-enders.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/icc-u-19-wc-india-hit-by-covid-crisis-as-skipper-yash-dhull-and-five-others-test-positive-miss-ireland-tie-446028">ICC U-19 WC: India hit by Covid crisis as skipper Yash Dhull and five others test positive, miss Ireland tie</a>

For India, Sangwan, Gautam and Tambe picked two wickets each while Rajvardhan Hangargekar (1/17), Ravi Kumar (1/11) and spinner Vicky Ostwal (1/22) also did their job.

India now need to have enough players for their last Group B game against Uganda on Saturday as besides Dhull and Rasheed, batter Aaradhya Yadav, Vasu Vats, Manav Parakh, and Siddharth Yadav also tested positive for the virus.

Australia beat Scotland in Basseterre in Group D 
 
In a Group D match in Basseterre, Australia defeated Scotland by seven wickets. 
Put into bat, Scotland rode on Charlie Tear (54), Thomas Mackintosh (54) and Oliver Davidson's (33) to post a respectable 236 for eight.

Australia sent Scotland in to bat first at the Conaree Cricket Centre, a decision that looked like it might backfire when Scotland's openers made a positive start with Tear and Davidson sharing 88 runs for the first wicket.

For Australia, Aiden Cahill (2/33) and William Salzmann (2/38) picked up two wickets apiece. Chasing, Australia started well, Teague Wyllie (101 not out), Cahill (72) and Campbell Kellaway (47) sparkled with the bat cantered home in 39.5 overs

Brief Scores: India U19 307/5 (Harnoor Singh 88, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 79; Muzamil Sherzad 3/79, Jamie Forbes 1/38) beat Ireland U19 133 (Scott MacBeth 32, Joshua Cox 28; Kaushal Tambe 2/8, Aneeshwar Gautam 2/11) by 174 runs.&nbsp;

Record four-time champions and title contenders India stormed into the Super League quarterfinals of the U-19 World Cup after thrashing minnows Ireland by 174 runs in a league game here, in which they barely managed to field a playing XI.

Record four-time champions and title contenders India stormed into the Super League quarterfinals of the U-19 World Cup after thrashing minnows Ireland by 174 runs in a league game here, in which they barely managed to field a playing XI. India started their campaign on a winning note, beating South Africa by 45 runs on last Saturday and the win on Wednesday by such a huge margin is significant as the team fielded only available 11 players after six members of the side were forced into isolation after testing COVID positive. Put into bat at the Brian Lara stadium, India first rode on Harnoor Singh's brisk 88 and his opening partner Angkrish Raghuvanshi's run-a-ball 79 to post a challenging 307 for five. The Hrishikesh Kanitkar-coached side then bundled out the opposition for 133 in 39 overs to register a comfortable win. Skipper Yash Dhull and his deputy Sheikh Rasheed were among those isolated after testing positive as Nishant Sindhu led the side. Read Also | India vs SA: Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen's centuries help Proteas win 1st ODI by 31 runs Left-handed Harnoor and Angriksh stitched a 164-run stand at the top to ensure Indian bowlers had a decent total to defend. Harnoor hit 12 fours in his 101-ball knock while Angriksh found 10 boundaries and two sixes. Stand-in skipper Nishant Sindhu (36 off 34; 5x4s) and Raj Bawa (42 off 64; 2x4s; 1x6) then shared a 64-run stand for the third wicket. As big hits dried up towards the end, Rajvardhan Hangargekar struck five sixes, including a hat-trick of maximums in the last over, in his fiery 17-ball 39-run unbeaten cameo that took India past the 300-run mark. Harnoor, who has been in sparkling form, drove the ball elegantly. If it was pitched up on the middle and leg, the left-hander from Jalandhar flicked it exquisitely. The ones pitched up on the off-side were driven in the cover region as Harnoor ticked the board nicely. In contrast, Angriksh chose to muscle the ball around. He cut, pulled and also drove in an aggressive manner as none of the Ireland bowlers could trouble the Indian openers. Harnoor pulled left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys (1/69) over deep mid-wicket for a six to raise his half-century. It was the same bowler who trapped him leg before later. Angkrish was dismissed by spinner Jamie Forbes (1/38). Chasing 308, Ireland were teetering at 17 for three after losing both openers Liam Doherty (7), David Vincent (8) and Jack Dickson (0) cheaply inside seven overs. Ireland never recovered from the early blows as right-arm medium pacer Garv Sangwan (2/23) sent back skipper Tim Tector (15) in the 15th over. Wicket-keeper Joshua Cox (28 off 46 balls) tried to take the game deep, but it was too little and too late. Sangwan struck again, this time removing Cox in the 21st over as Ireland lost half of its side for 66. Scott Macbeth (32) only delayed the inevitable before India bowled out Ireland for 133. Left-arm orthodox spinner Aneeshwar Gautam (2/11 ) and off-spinner Kaushal Tambe (2/8) cleaned up the lower middle order and tail-enders. Read Also | ICC U-19 WC: India hit by Covid crisis as skipper Yash Dhull and five others test positive, miss Ireland tie For India, Sangwan, Gautam and Tambe picked two wickets each while Rajvardhan Hangargekar (1/17), Ravi Kumar (1/11) and spinner Vicky Ostwal (1/22) also did their job. India now need to have enough players for their last Group B game against Uganda on Saturday as besides Dhull and Rasheed, batter Aaradhya Yadav, Vasu Vats, Manav Parakh, and Siddharth Yadav also tested positive for the virus. Australia beat Scotland in Basseterre in Group D In a Group D match in Basseterre, Australia defeated Scotland by seven wickets. Put into bat, Scotland rode on Charlie Tear (54), Thomas Mackintosh (54) and Oliver Davidson's (33) to post a respectable 236 for eight. Australia sent Scotland in to bat first at the Conaree Cricket Centre, a decision that looked like it might backfire when Scotland's openers made a positive start with Tear and Davidson sharing 88 runs for the first wicket. For Australia, Aiden Cahill (2/33) and William Salzmann (2/38) picked up two wickets apiece. Chasing, Australia started well, Teague Wyllie (101 not out), Cahill (72) and Campbell Kellaway (47) sparkled with the bat cantered home in 39.5 overs Brief Scores: India U19 307/5 (Harnoor Singh 88, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 79; Muzamil Sherzad 3/79, Jamie Forbes 1/38) beat Ireland U19 133 (Scott MacBeth 32, Joshua Cox 28; Kaushal Tambe 2/8, Aneeshwar Gautam 2/11) by 174 runs.

U-19 World Cup: COVID-hit India thrash Ireland to reach Super League quarterfinals

After winning their respective opening games in the ICC U-19&nbsp;World Cup, both India and Ireland are now scheduled to compete at Brian Lara Stadium in a group B tussle&nbsp;on Wednesday (January 19).&nbsp;India started their campaign on a high note when they defeated South Africa by 45 runs, while Ireland thrashed Uganda by 39 runs to kickoff their campaign in style.&nbsp;

Besides Captain Yash Dhull, India also have Shaikh Rasheed, who was the leading run-scorer at the U19 Asia Cup last year. At the bowling alley, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravi Kumar, Raj Bawa, and Vicky Ostwal are the players to watchout for.

Meanwhile, Joshua Cox will star the Irish batting line-up. Against a formidable Indian bowling lineup, Ireland's hitters will have their work cut out.

India vs Ireland U-19 World Cup match live streaming details -&nbsp;Everything to know:&nbsp;

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/he-left-indian-test-team-in-good-health-cant-say-gautam-gambhir-on-virat-kohlis-captaincy-tenure-445903">'He left Indian Test team in good health, can’t say...' - Gautam Gambhir on Virat Kohli's captaincy tenure</a>

Where is the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland taking place?

The ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland match will take place at the Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad.

What time does the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland begin?

The ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland begins at 06:30 PM IST on Wednesday (January 19).

How to watch live coverage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland on TV?

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/what-if-overseas-team-captain-did-it-gavaskar-opines-on-kohlis-stump-mic-rant-feels-it-was-avoidable-445934">What if overseas team captain did it? Gavaskar opines on Kohli's stump mic-rant, feels it was 'avoidable'</a>

The India U19 vs Ireland U19 match will be aired live on the Star Sports Network.

How to watch live coverage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland on the live streaming?

The live streaming of the India U19 vs Ireland U19 match will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

After winning their respective opening games in the ICC U-19 World Cup, both India and Ireland are now scheduled to compete at Brian Lara Stadium in a group B tussle on Wednesday (January 19).

After winning their respective opening games in the ICC U-19 World Cup, both India and Ireland are now scheduled to compete at Brian Lara Stadium in a group B tussle on Wednesday (January 19). India started their campaign on a high note when they defeated South Africa by 45 runs, while Ireland thrashed Uganda by 39 runs to kickoff their campaign in style. Besides Captain Yash Dhull, India also have Shaikh Rasheed, who was the leading run-scorer at the U19 Asia Cup last year. At the bowling alley, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravi Kumar, Raj Bawa, and Vicky Ostwal are the players to watchout for. Meanwhile, Joshua Cox will star the Irish batting line-up. Against a formidable Indian bowling lineup, Ireland's hitters will have their work cut out. India vs Ireland U-19 World Cup match live streaming details - Everything to know: Read Also | 'He left Indian Test team in good health, can’t say...' - Gautam Gambhir on Virat Kohli's captaincy tenure Where is the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland taking place? The ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland match will take place at the Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad. What time does the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland begin? The ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland begins at 06:30 PM IST on Wednesday (January 19). How to watch live coverage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland on TV? Read Also | What if overseas team captain did it? Gavaskar opines on Kohli's stump mic-rant, feels it was 'avoidable' The India U19 vs Ireland U19 match will be aired live on the Star Sports Network. How to watch live coverage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2022 match between India and Ireland on the live streaming? The live streaming of the India U19 vs Ireland U19 match will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

When and where to watch India vs Ireland U-19 WC match live online? - IST time & streaming details

India booked their place in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-world-t20-mithali-raj-guides-india-to-seven-wicket-win-over-pakistan-176721">semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20</a> for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland.

Last year's World Cup runners-up went into the game knowing victory would secure a last-four spot after previous wins over New Zealand and Pakistan.

Raj struck an assured 51 as India posted a total of 145-6 that was always likely to be too strong for Ireland, and the tournament's lowest-ranked team struggled to 93-8 in reply as Radha Yadav finished with three for 25.

The 35-year-old Raj, India's all-time record runscorer in T20s, laid the foundations for victory with a 67-run stand for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana, and after the game she played down injury fears after struggling with a knee problem.

"I'm sure my knee will get better," she said. "Today the wicket was quite challenging. The pitch was soft. And playing slower bowlers was difficult, but the partnership with Smriti was crucial."

India face Australia on Saturday to decide who finishes top of Group B, before playing the semi-finals on November 22.

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland.

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland. Last year's World Cup runners-up went into the game knowing victory would secure a last-four spot after previous wins over New Zealand and Pakistan. Raj struck an assured 51 as India posted a total of 145-6 that was always likely to be too strong for Ireland, and the tournament's lowest-ranked team struggled to 93-8 in reply as Radha Yadav finished with three for 25. The 35-year-old Raj, India's all-time record runscorer in T20s, laid the foundations for victory with a 67-run stand for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana, and after the game she played down injury fears after struggling with a knee problem. "I'm sure my knee will get better," she said. "Today the wicket was quite challenging. The pitch was soft. And playing slower bowlers was difficult, but the partnership with Smriti was crucial." India face Australia on Saturday to decide who finishes top of Group B, before playing the semi-finals on November 22.

ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter semi-final

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