India faced off against Ireland in a T20 series spanning three matches, introducing several fresh talents like Tilak Varma and Jaiswal, and led by the comeback captain Jasprit Bumrah, who had been sidelined due to an injury for nearly a year.
India vs Ireland T20 Summary
In the opening T20, India won via the DLS method due to rain interference. The second T20 saw India triumph with a 23-run lead, thereby securing an unassailable lead and ultimately claiming the series.
However, the third T20 encounter between India and Ireland was thwarted by persistent rain in Dublin. Despite the rain stopping, the outfield remained soaked, leading to the abandonment of the match. While the series outcome was already determined after two games, the canceled match provided both teams an occasion to experiment with their lineups. This served as a valuable opportunity for player trials as they built their squads for the forthcoming T20 World Cup set to be hosted in the West Indies and the USA in 2024.
Among the Indian squad members, certain players like Jitesh Sharma, Shahbaz Ahmed, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar did not have a chance to showcase their skills in this series. Notably, the series also facilitated the return of bowling stars Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. These players used this platform to regain their bowling fitness for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and rhythm following their recovery from prolonged injuries.
Jasprit Bumrah After Winning
Expressing his elation after victory, Captain Bumrah stated that he was thrilled to make a comeback and engage in competitive cricket once again. He acknowledged the frustration of waiting for a match to take place. Also, he emphasized the appeal of taking on a leadership role and the natural inclination among cricketers to shoulder responsibilities. Bumrah corrected a light-hearted error by Alan Wilkins, clarifying that his absence from the team lasted for around 10 to 11 months rather than a full year. He appreciated the collaborative atmosphere where players openly shared their insights and recommendations, contributing to the overall cohesion of the team.
PC: Cricbuzz
