Shreyas Iyer to Lead India in Historic T20I Against Ireland

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for its first T20I since winning the 2026 World Cup, with Shreyas Iyer making his debut as captain. The match against Ireland will also see the potential debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who could become the youngest Indian to play international cricket. As the team prepares to field its strongest lineup, fans are eager to see how the new captain and young talents perform on the international stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 19:42 IST

India's T20I Debut Under New Captain

The Indian cricket team is set to play its first T20I since clinching the 2026 T20 World Cup on Friday, June 26, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. This match will be particularly noteworthy as Shreyas Iyer takes the helm as captain for the first time. He steps into the role after replacing Suryakumar Yadav, having made a successful return to the national squad in the T20 format.

All eyes will be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is poised to make his debut for India. If he plays, he will break Sachin Tendulkar's record, becoming the youngest Indian to participate in international cricket. However, it is anticipated that the team will field its strongest lineup, featuring the top three players who contributed to the T20 World Cup victory.

Abhishek Sharma is expected to open alongside Sanju Samson, while Ishan Kishan is likely to bat at number three. Shreyas Iyer will take the fourth spot, marking his first T20I appearance since December 2023. Tilak Varma is projected to bat fifth, followed by all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.

With Varun Chakravarthy sidelined due to injury and Kuldeep Yadav not included in the squad, Ravi Bishnoi is anticipated to make a return to the national team. The pace attack will likely feature Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as the two main fast bowlers. Consequently, both Vaibhav and Prince Yadav may have to wait for their T20I debuts.

Predicted Indian XI for the 1st T20I vs Ireland: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh.