A T20I series against Ireland would typically not be significant for Indian cricket. Despite being a Test-playing nation, the Emerald Isle has not yet qualified for the 2018 50-over World Cup. Their recent fortunes in the shortest format have also not been particularly noteworthy. The three-match series in Dublin in the second half of August takes on added significance because it signifies Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback to competitive cricket following a protracted injury absence. After having back surgery, the speedster has been recovering. Scroll down to read more details about Jasprit Bumrah is back as skipper for the T20I series.
Jasprit Bumrah is back as skipper for the T20I series
With the World Cup starting in just over two months, it appears like Bumrah will be gradually introduced back into top-level cricket after suffering a stress response in his lower back that had the potential to endanger his career.
For the games on August 18, 20, and 23, he will be in charge of a 15-person team. India’s normal captain Rohit Sharma was unable to play in the rescheduled Test match against England in Birmingham last year, so Bumrah took the helm. To tie the series at 2-2, the home team triumphed. When the speed spearhead was prematurely brought back from injury in September 2022 with an eye on the T20 World Cup in Australia, it is clear that he was playing for the national squad at that time.
After the series in Ireland, a 50-over Asia Cup will be played before the World Cup, and an ODI series against Australia will be played at home before the largest cricketing event of the year. The selectors and team management will be cautious about raising his workload too quickly in light of recent failures, and they’d rather observe how he performs during four-over periods before asking him to bowl 10 overs in a game.
Other Things To Eye On
It will be excellent news for the hosts if Bumrah is making a recovery in time for the World Cup since his pace and skill could be the difference-maker on Indian grounds, which aren’t often too favorable for faster bowlers.
India will play the other top teams at a majority of locations that are believed to favor spin more. The three matches are important, but what will be watched with interest is how Bumrah performs in his comeback series.
Sanju Samson, Prasidh Krishna, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are among the members of the team traveling to Ireland. The wise men of Indian cricket have been impressed by the left-handed Jaiswal’s attitude as he has made a splashy arrival into the Test team. He might have a remote chance of making the World Cup roster.
Samson has had numerous opportunities to establish himself but hasn’t succeeded, and lately, Ishan Kishan has surpassed him. He will have another opportunity to shine in the Ireland series.
Krishna has already played 14 ODIs for India, taking 25 wickets, and is well-liked by important people. However, the 27-year-old has a spotty fitness history and has only participated in 11 first-class matches to date.
