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India are all set to play a 2-match T20I series against Ireland starting June 26 in Dublin. The All-India Senior Selection Committee had announced a call-up to the talented batter Rahul Tripathi for this series due to his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).
Furthermore, the players like Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh had warmed the benches in the five-match home T20I series against South Africa, despite being named in the squad. This series is being primarily used by the selectors to test the bench strength for the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in October-November.
In a recent press conference ahead of the 1st fixture of the series, India's captain on the tour Hardik Pandya has hinted that the team management wants to provide an opportunity to some fresh faces but doesn’t want to disturb the overall combination of the XI as well. It is evident that Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant will not be available for the series, and any two of three batters, Tripathi, Sanju Samson, and Deepak Hooda are expected to find a place in the XI.
“We want to give opportunity to people but want to play our best XI as well. There will be situation where there will be a couple of caps given but more than anything, it's about making sure that we have the best XI,” the new captain said.
On being asked about proving his leadership qualities in the series, Pandya reckoned that he is not here to prove anything to anybody. The 28-year-old was confident after leading Gujarat Titans to title victory in the IPL 2022 and thinks he is good enough for the role. However, he is focusing on what he can bring fresh to the table in the Ireland series.
"I am not here to show anything to anybody. I have got an opportunity to lead India, that itself is a big thing for me. I don't play this sport to show anything to anybody. I am good enough. I will see in the future, otherwise more than anything I am just focussing on what I can bring in this series," Pandya said.