Hardik Pandya Announced Captain For The Ireland Series As Youngsters Get A Chance

Hardik Pandya is set to be the 5th captain that has led the Indian limited overs side since October 2021 

India is set to travel to Ireland for a short two match T20I series starting 26th June in Dublin. Both the matches would be played at the same venue which is Castle Avenue. Hard hitting all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been announced as the captain of the team for this series in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and other senior players. Veteran and experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been handed the role of vice-captain for this tour as well. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and the regular test side have traveled to the United Kingdom to prepare for the remaining 5th test against England and for the white ball matches as well. A major chunk of the players have been part of the test side and have to travel to England and less priority is being given to this two match series. 

Rahul Tripathi had an impressive IPL season and made sure SRH were in the playoff race right till the end

Hardik Pandya, has been a great captain for his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans and has shown why the management showed faith in him as a player as well as a captain. He continued his great form that he showed in the IPL for India as well in the ongoing series against South Africa. From the squad that was selected for the T20Is against South Africa, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer won’t be part of the squad as they will travel to the UK on the 20th. To replace the two marquee players, the selectors have brought back Sanju Samson and the previously injured Suryakumar Yadav returns to the squad. Rahul Tripathi, who had a terrific IPL season scoring 413 runs at an average of 37.54 has been given his maiden IPL call-up. He along with uncapped players Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh would be looking to make his debut during this tour. 

India are currently losing the ongoing series 1-2 to South Africa with two games to go

Indian Squad Hardik Pandya (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik.

This Indian side is full of youth and experience and would be hoping to win both the games against a spirited Ireland side who are playing their first game since mid-february. Only time can tell whether Hardik can showcase his excellent captaincy for India as well or Ireland have something unexpected in store for us.