India's T20I Challenge: Changes Ahead for Second Match Against Ireland

India's T20I series against Ireland began with an unexpected defeat, prompting potential changes in the lineup for the second match. Captain Shreyas Iyer may introduce Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to strengthen the batting order, while Washington Sundar could be replaced by Prince Yadav. The team is eager to bounce back and secure a win to level the series. Will these changes make a difference? Read on to find out more about the predicted playing XI and the squad details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 00:35 IST

India's T20I Journey Begins with a Setback

India's new T20I campaign under captain Shreyas Iyer got off to a disappointing start as they faced an unexpected defeat against Ireland in the opening match of their two-game series in Belfast on June 26. The team is set to compete in the second and final match on June 28, where a victory is crucial to avoid losing the series. A key question is whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will make his debut, and if so, who will be replaced in the lineup.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Potential Inclusion

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In, Tilak Varma Out

To strengthen their batting, India may look to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who could partner with Abhishek Sharma to put pressure on the Irish bowlers, who performed well in the first T20I. This adjustment would likely see Sanju Samson move down to the number three position, a role he is well-suited for due to his experience. Shreyas Iyer could then bat at number four, with Ishan Kishan dropping to number five, a position where he excelled during Jharkhand's successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. Shivam Dube and Axar Patel could fill the sixth and seventh spots, respectively, which would mean sidelining vice-captain Tilak Varma, who struggled with just 19 runs off 21 balls in the previous match.

Changes in Bowling Lineup

Washington Sundar Out; Prince Yadav To Debut

In the second T20I against Ireland, it may be wise for India to drop Washington Sundar, who scored only 9 runs and conceded 19 runs in a single over. Opting for a specialist spinner like Ravi Bishnoi instead of an extra all-rounder could enhance the team's performance. Harshit Rana has previously demonstrated his batting capabilities, making him a suitable choice for the number eight position. Prasidh Krishna had a tough outing in the first match, giving away 57 runs in four overs, so India might consider bringing in Prince Yadav for his T20I debut.

Predicted Playing XI for the Second T20I

India Predicted Playing XI For 2nd T20I Vs Ireland

The anticipated lineup for the second T20I includes: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi.

Complete Squad for the T20I Series Against Ireland

India Squad For T20I Series Vs Ireland

The squad for the T20I series features: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Suryansh Shegde, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.