Sanju Samson

IRE vs IND: India’s Predicted Playing XI Against Ireland, 2nd T20I

Published on June 27, 2022June 27, 2022

IRE vs IND: India’s Predicted Playing XI Against Ireland, 2nd T20I – Team India started their tour of Ireland with a thumping win over the hosts in the first IRE vs IND T20I.

Rain threatened to wash away the series-opener. The game was eventually reduced to 12 overs a side after it started following a delay of more than two hours. India skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first. He and the other bowlers then went on to give the Men in Blue a solid start.

In the very first over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Andrew Balbirnie before Pandya accounted for Paul Stirling in the following over. Avesh Khan then dismissed Gareth Delany to leave Ireland reeling at 22 for 3 in the 4th over.

Also Read: Eoin Morgan To Step Down As England Captain, Jos Buttler Or Moeen Ali Likely To Replace Him: Report

But before India could inflict further damage on the hosts, Harry Tector revived his team’s innings and scored an unbeaten fifty to guide them to a competitive total of 108 for 4 in 12 overs. He scored 64 off just 33 balls with the help of 6 fours and 3 sixes.

In reply, India chased down the total with ease in the tenth over. Ishan Kishan and Deepak Hooda gave India a flying start before Pandya played a fine cameo with the bat. Hooda remained unbeaten on 47 off 29 balls while Kishan scored 26 off just 11 balls. Pandya, on the other hand, slammed 24 off just 12 balls.

India will be looking to finish the series with a win in the upcoming second IRE vs IND T20I. So as the teams gear up for the forthcoming game, we are taking a look at India’s predicted playing XI for the second game.

Openers: Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson:

Team India could be forced to make one change to their opening combination. Ruturaj Gaikwad could miss the second IRE vs IND T20I due to a calf niggle. Gaikwad could not bat in the first game due to the same problem and had to be replaced by Deepak Hooda at the top.

In his absence, Sanju Samson is likely to find a place in the team. The other opener is set to be in-form Ishan Kishan.

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Hardik Pandya Reveals Conversation With Interim Coach VVS Laxman Ahead Of Ireland T20Is

Published on June 26, 2022June 26, 2022

Hardik Pandya gears up to lead Team India for the first time as it takes on Ireland in the two-match T20I series, starting Sunday. Team India returns to action in the shortest format of the game tonight when it takes on Ireland in the first of two T20Is in Malahide.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya will be leading the team in the absence of a host of first-team players including captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant among others. While 31-year-old Rahul Tripathi received a maiden international call-up for the series, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson also made a return to the squad.

Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya Said India Won’t Be Complacent Against Ireland

Ahead of the first T20I game, Hardik Pandya interacted with the media during a press interaction and opened up on his mindset as he takes on the captaincy challenge for the first time in international colours.

“It’s a challenge mentally, it is easier to say that we are playing against Ireland but playing for India is the biggest pride. If we want to win the World Cup, every match from here is important for us to reach the World Cup final. The first thing I said to all is that it doesn’t matter whom we are playing, we need to focus on our own things,” Hardik Pandya stressed.

With Hardik Pandya hinting at a couple of debuts for India, it will be interesting to see if the likes of Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Rahul Tripathi get an opportunity to play.

Notably, the likes of pacers Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh were warming the benches as India persisted with an unchanged XI in the 5-match series against South Africa. Rahul Tripathi, who was impressive in the IPL 2022 for SunRisers Hyderabad, was not picked for the home series but he made it to the Ireland tour after receiving his maiden India call-up.

Hardik Pandya Reveals India Will Approach The Ireland T20Is Like Any Other Games

The 28-year-old all-rounder also revealed the discussion he had with VVS Laxman, who is the head coach of the side for this series in the absence of Rahul Dravid. The former India captain is currently with the Test side as it prepares for the fifth and final game of the series against England, scheduled between July 1-5 in Edgbaston.

“We keep the same intensity we generally keep even if we are playing the World Cup or a big series. Again it comes down to mental strength, how better you can get it because it’s not easy in two matches getting yourself on but at the same time we are playing for India and we have to be on our A-game which we will. The discussion between me and the coach is simple — approach the game as you do in any other game for India,” said Hardik Pandya.

Captain Hardik Pandya will be in focus as India looks to test their envious bench strength in the series opener against Ireland, who have not beaten India in 3 T20I meetings so far. The focus will also be on Suryakumar Yadav, who returns to the side for the first time after an injury in IPL 2022.

IND vs IRE Match Prediction — India National Cricket Team (Credits: Twitter)

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Aakash Chopra Picks Indian Team For 1st T20I Against Ireland

Published on June 26, 2022

Aakash Chopra has picked his Team India XI for the first T20I against Ireland. Sanju Samson and Umran Malik failed to find a place in his team.

The first T20I of the two-match series will be played on Sunday, June 26. The Men in Blue stuck to the same XI in all games of the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa. They will, however, have to make at least a couple of changes for the Ireland T20Is, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer now in England with the Indian Test side.

Aakash Chopra Picks Deepak Hooda And Venkatesh Iyer In His XI For 1st T20I

Ishan Kishan finished the series against Proteas as the highest run-getter. Ishan Kishan scored 206 runs across five games at an average of 41.20 and a strike rate of 150.36. He scored two half-centuries in the series and the confidence in his batting was upfront. He should open with Ruturaj Gaikwad feels Aakash Chopra.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra named Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan as his two openers, elaborating: “Ruturaj Gaikwad did not do well in the series against South Africa. These are his last two chances if he is given these two chances. This is his final opportunity; I doubt he will get chances against England. Ishan Kishan has another chance to establish himself a little more.”

The cricketer-turned-commentator wants Suryakumar Yadav to bat at No. 3 ahead of Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda. Deepak Hooda, who has been one of the prominent faces of the Indian T20I set-up, must get a chance in the Ireland series, feels the former Indian opener.

Aakash Chopra reasoned: “The big question will be if you will play Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson or Suryakumar Yadav at three. I will play Surya at three for a simple reason that he is part of our World Cup team. You will say that he will play at No. 4 at the World Cup because Kohli will play at No. 3; my argument is you want him to be amongst the runs.”

Aakash Chopra completed his top six by picking Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya, and Dinesh Karthik, explaining: “I am thinking Deepak Hooda at No. 4. I feel the team should play Deepak Hooda because there is a pecking order. It is not correct if Sanju Samson or Rahul Tripathi plays ahead of him. Then Hardik and at six, I am going with Dinesh Karthik.”

The 44-year-old wants pace all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer to play instead of spin all-rounder Axar Patel.

Aakash Chopra observed: “At No. 7, it is slightly interesting if you will play Axar Patel. The Ireland team plays fast bowling easily, so play more spin, but the truth is also that these conditions are not going to help spin that much. I feel Hardik Pandya will bowl more here, then why not Venkatesh Iyer.”

Axar Patel did not have a great T20I series against South Africa. Team India could opt to play Venkatesh Iyer ahead of him, with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder performing the fifth bowler’s role along with Hardik Pandya and Deepak Hooda.

Aakash Chopra Opts To Stick With The Same Bowlers That Played In The T20Is Against Proteas

Making his prediction about the Indian bowlers, Aakash Chopra said the dup of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is also the vice-captain of the team, and Yuzvendra Chahal will be among the wickets.

Aakash Chopra opted to stick with the same specialist bowlers who played in the T20Is against South Africa, saying: “Yuzi Chahal is my only leg-spinner. Deepak Hooda will give me some off-spin. After that, when I look at the bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and then I will go with Harshal Patel. I am thinking about Avesh Khan now, but I won’t mind if Arshdeep plays.”

While the first T20I saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar leaking runs at almost 11 per over (43/1 in four overs), the rest of the three games saw him conceding at a rate of even less than six runs over. Overall, Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked six wickets at an economy rate of 6.07 and was awarded Man of the Series. Yuzvendra Chahal snared six wickets in the two T20Is he played against Ireland in 2018.

Aakash Chopra’s India XI for 1st T20I: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan.

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BCCI Ties Up With Australian Strength And Conditioning Association To Create Pool Of Trainers

Published on June 26, 2022

The BCCI plans to ensure that the same fitness training module is to be followed from U-19 (men and women) to senior state teams and subsequently national teams.

The BCCI has joined hands with the Australian Strength & Conditioning Association (ASCA) to create a pool of world-class trainers (S&C coaches) in the country, in its bid to create uniformity in the training system across ranks.

Recently, the BCCI has formed its Sports Science section at the National Cricket Academy, which is being headed by former national team head physio Dr. Nitin Patel.

Recently, the BCCI had formed its Sports Science section at the National Cricket Academy, which is being headed by former national team head physio Dr Nitin Patel. (FILE PHOTO) - GETTY IMAGES — Recently, the BCCI had formed its Sports Science section at the National Cricket Academy, which is being headed by former national team head physio Dr. Nitin Patel. (FILE PHOTO) – GETTY IMAGES

BCCI Joined Hands With The Australian Strength And Conditioning Association (ASCA) To Create A Pool Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches

BCCI has now come up with the concept of creating a program that will “increase the knowledge base of fitness trainers across all levels in BCCI.” From the concept note that BCCI shared with state unit trainers, it is understood that the idea is to ensure that from U-19 (men and women) to senior state teams and subsequently national teams, the same training module is to be followed by all the teams involved.

“Often, we see that at the state level, the Strength and Conditioning training is completely different from what is there at India U-19, A, or senior teams. This course will create enough S&C coaches, who can then follow the curriculum at the state level also,” a former India A trainer, aware of developments said on conditions of anonymity.

National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru is amongst the best cricket academies in India (Source: Mail Today)

The former India A trainer then cited how some of the state teams have completely different ideas of S&C training from what the national team or NCA follows.

“Let me give you an example of this Ranji season. The BCCI had sent a note to all-state teams that the YoYo test (aerobic endurance fitness test) and 2k run, which were earlier used as fitness parameters are no longer mandatory as full season post-COVID is starting and we don’t know about the lung capacity of players.”

“Still at DDCA, Rajkumar Sharma and his coaching staff used YoYo as a parameter to decide who are eligible candidates when the world is acknowledging that it is not a parameter to judge cricketing fitness,” he said.

The idea is to have such a training program where there is less interference from old-school coaches across some state teams, whose idea of S&C training is still archaic.

BCCI Source Informed 114 Candidates Will Be Taught By 6 Professionals

As per the BCCI-ASCA tie-up, it will be a three-year course with Year-1 being ‘Cricket Specific S&C Beginner Program’ followed by Year-2 which will have ‘Cricket Specific S&C Intermediate Program’ and the final Year-3 will have ‘Cricket Specific S&C Advanced Program’.

As per the program requirement, 114 candidates (potential S&C trainers) across 38 affiliated units will be undergoing the course along with six miscellaneous candidates, making it a total of 120 candidates.

“Two male S&C coaches and 1 female coach per BCCI affiliated units will attend the program for a ‘Year-Round Mentoring via the NCA Central Team’. 114 candidates will be taught by six professionals and its starts in July with a 2-day Hybrid Programme,” a BCCI source informed.

It is understood that during the on-site program, 20 state S&C coaches will be mentored by one NCA central team S&C coach. Thus 120 candidates will have six such coaches.

“The plan is to have a year-round mentorship so that we have a robust group of S&C coaches in both men and women’s set-up,” the source said.

The Yo-Yo test is a variation of the beep test, a running aerobic fitness test that involves running between two sets of cones that are 20 meters apart (incidentally the length of a cricket pitch). Interestingly, several cricketers including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Sanju Samson, and recently Varun Chakravarthy have failed to clear the Yo-Yo test.

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Danish Kaneria In Favour Of Suryakumar Yadav To Be Given Consistent Opportunities

Published on June 25, 2022June 25, 2022

Danish Kaneria, the ex-Pakistan spinner recently stated that Team India batter Suryakumar Yadav deserves to be given consistent opportunities in international cricket.

Speaking on his official YouTube channel on Friday, Danish Kaneria suggested that Suryakumar Yadav has more maturity when compared to Shreyas Iyer. He urged the Indian team management to back Suryakumar Yadav and give him regular chances in playing XI.

Danish Kaneria Reckons It Would Be Unfair If Suryakumar Yadav Isn’t Given Enough Opportunities

The former spinner Danish Kaneria pointed out that Shreyas Iyer needs to up his game if he wants to retain his place in the side. He opined that the right-hander must come up with consistent performances to carve a niche for himself in the team’s star-studded batting lineup.

Danish Kaneria said: “There have been reports indicating that Rahul Dravid believes Shreyas Iyer to be more mature than Suryakumar Yadav. But I don’t agree with Dravid’s thinking. It would be unfair if Suryakumar Yadav doesn’t get enough opportunities at this age. Iyer will have to perform consistently, otherwise, there’s no way that he can retain his place in the side.”

Suryakumar Yadav Photo by Deepak Malik / Sportzpics for BCCI

Suryakumar Yadav was ruled out of the recently concluded five-match home T20I series against South Africa due to a forearm injury that he sustained during IPL 2022. He is set to make a comeback on India’s tour of Ireland.

Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson will be making a comeback in India’s playing XI in the opening T20I against Ireland at Malahide on Sunday (June 26). The duo is likely to get into the side in place of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant – who joined India’s Test side in Leicestershire – in the two-match T20I series.

Shreyas Iyer Managed Just 94 Runs Against Proteas

Shreyas Iyer featured in all five games of the South Africa T20Is. However, he failed to make the most of the opportunities and managed just 94 runs in the white-ball rubber. While Suryakumar Yadav will next be in action against Ireland, Shreyas Iyer will be with the Test team in England to play the rescheduled 5th Test.

India and Ireland are scheduled to lock horns in two T20I matches in Dublin. The series opener is set to be played on Sunday, June 26.

Much-awaited England vs India rescheduled 5th Test will take place during the all-format England tour. The match will conclude India vs England Test series that took place last year. India leads the series 2-1, as the 5th Test was postponed due to Covid-19. The 5th Test begins on July 1 (Friday) at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

Suryakumar Yadav made his international debut in the Twenty20 International series against England in February 2021. His ODI debut happened six months later during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in August 2021.

In his very first series against England, Suryakumar Yadav showed his class. In the second match of the series in February, Suryakumar Yadav blasted 57 off 31 balls with six fours and three sixes. His 28-ball fifty, studded with dazzling strokes made him an instant hit.

Even in ODIs, he displayed his mettle by registering double-digit scores in all the games that he has played. His average of 54 in ODIs and a strike rate of 155 in Twenty20 Internationals is a great start, but he has to do well in the coming years.

Rishabh Pant led India against South Africa (BCCI Image)

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Rishabh Pant’s Fitness Isn’t Up To The Mark, Says Danish Kaneria

Published on June 25, 2022June 25, 2022

Danish Kaneria, the former Pakistan spinner has targeted Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant over his fitness issues. While Danish Kaneria said that India’s all-format skipper batter Rohit Sharma isn’t too fit either, it’s more important for Rishabh Pant to be in better shape as he is a wicket-keeper batter.

After a string of unimpressive performances, Rishabh Pant has become the target of critics once again. The attacking wicket-keeper batter didn’t have the best of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign and performed below-par in the recently concluded T20I series between India and South Africa too. One of the reasons behind his underwhelming show, according to former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria, is his weight.

Danish Kaneria: Rishabh Pant’s Fitness Isn’t Upto The Mark And Unlike Batter Rohit Sharma, He Has To Improve His Fitness Being A Keeper

It isn’t the first time that keeper Rishabh Pant’s fitness has come into question. While a new fitness regime was brought into place when ex-Indian skipper Virat Kohli first took over India’s captaincy, Danish Kaneria feels Rishabh Pant is lagging behind many others in this area.

“Rishabh Pant’s fitness is not up to the mark and is very low. I would say it’s rather mediocre. There was a massive change in terms of the team’s fitness standards when Kohli took over the captaincy. But Pant is lagging behind when compared to others,” Kaneria said on his official YouTube channel.

Danish Kaneria didn’t shy away from highlighting Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s fitness issues too. But, since Rohit Sharma is a pure batter, Danish Kaneria gave him a pass. For Rishabh Pant, however, the tainted spinner feels fitness is extremely important.

“Although Rohit Sharma too isn’t very fit, he is a batter, and it is fine for him. But Pant has to improve his fitness as he is a wicketkeeper. Even at this young age, we’ve seen how he hasn’t been able to crouch properly while keeping in recent games.

“This is due to his weight issues. It has an effect on his flexibility too. He plays with an approach of hitting the bowlers right from the onset. Mental toughness and maturity will also only come with fitness,” he explained.

The Team India keeper-batter has scored 741 runs in 48 T20I matches at an average of 23.15 and a strike rate of 123.91. Rishabh Pant has managed just 58 runs in the series against South Africa at a mediocre average of 14.5 and an equally poor strike rate of 105.45. Rishabh Pant has struggled with the bat in the T20I series against South Africa, having registered scores of 29, 5, 6, 17, and 1*.

Danish Kaneria: Rishabh Pant Has To Fight For His Place With The Arrival Of Dinesh Karthik

In comparison to Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik remains incredibly fit even at the age of 37. With Dinesh Karthik making a strong comeback into the Indian team, Danish Kaneria feels Rishabh Pant will have a tough fight for the spot behind the stumps in T20Is.

“When you see Dinesh Karthik, he is super fit even at this age. We’ve seen that in his batting as well as wicketkeeping. Pant may have scored 70-odd in the warmup game, but he hasn’t been consistent and his graph is going down. He will have to fight for his place in the team as there are other options like Dinesh Karthik, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson,” he further said.

With as many as four wicketkeeper-batters in contention in Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik, it will be interesting to see how many get the nod. KL Rahul who was injured just before the ongoing South Africa series is another option for the keeper’s slot and will certainly make the 2022 T20I World Cup squad if fit.

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Sanju Samson Has To Make The Most Of His Chances To Be Selected For 2022 T20I World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar

Published on June 22, 2022June 22, 2022

Sanju Samson has been named in India’s squad for the two-match T20I series against Ireland, beginning June 26. Sanju Samson, the 27-year-old star keeper last played in the T20I series against Sri Lanka at home earlier this year where he faced 37 deliveries across two innings to score 57 runs at a strike rate of 154.05.

After India completed their first international assignment at home after the 2022 IPL season, the Men in Blue will now head to Ireland for a two-match series before traveling to England for the much-anticipated tour. Some regular players have been rested, while some new faces have been added as India continues their search for a final 15-member squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson Has To Make The Most Of His Chances: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had his say on the return of the 27-year-old star, whose “tremendous abilities” he hailed. Sanju Samson had a rather impressive IPL 2022 season where he scored 458 runs in 17 innings, in the Rajasthan Royals’ run to the final, at a strike rate of 146.79 with two half-centuries.

Prior to the IPL 2022 season, he was recalled to the India team for the home series against Sri Lanka where he faced 37 deliveries across two innings to score 57 runs at a strike rate of 154.05. Speaking on his selection, Sunil Gavaskar advised that Sanju Samson needs to work on his shot selection in a bid to cement his place in the India squad for the upcoming T20I World Cup.

Sanju Samson, skipper of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022. IPL

“Everybody deserves more chance but you got to make the most of them. What has led Sanju Samson down, because all of us know the tremendous ability that he has, is his shot selection while playing for India. He looks to attack from the first ball and even in T20Is, there is an opportunity to get your feet going, get your eye … you know with the light and pitch, etc,” he said.

So far, Sanju Samson has played one ODI and 13 T20Is for India scoring 46 and 174 runs respectively. Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has belief in Sanju Samson’s abilities but feels he needs to improve his shot selection.

Sanju Samson Must Improve Upon His Shot Selection And Has To Be Consistent To Be In India’s 2022 T20I World cup Squad: Sunil Gavaskar

With just two matches in the series which will also mark the return of middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson might get limited opportunities, but Sunil Gavaskar wants the youngster to make the most of it.

“So, yes if his shot selection gets better then he will be so much more consistent whether it is for India or for his franchise. Then there will be nobody asking questions about his place in the team,” he added.

Sanju Samson has struggled to replicate his IPL exploits at the international level as the Kerala batter, who made his debut in 2015, has managed 174 runs at a meager average of 14.50 in 14 T20Is. The keeper, who is back in the mix in the lead-up to the T20I World Cup, faces a make-or-break situation as the competition for spots in the top-order and wicketkeeper is intensifying.

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Sanju Samson Selected For Ireland T20Is Has Ability But Must Improve His Shot Selection: Sunil Gavaskar

Published on June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

Sanju Samson has been named in India’s squad for the two-match T20I series against Ireland, beginning June 26. Sanju Samson has got yet another opportunity to consolidate his place in the Indian cricket team. He is part of the Hardik Pandya-led India 17-member squad that will play two T20Is against Ireland later this month.

With several other wicketkeeper-batters like Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and the veteran Dinesh Karthik playing well with far more consistency than the 27-year-old, it is going to be a daunting task for Sanju Samson to make it to the forthcoming 2022 T20I World Cup squad. Sanju Samson has time and again impressed with his abilities only to falter with his consistency.

Sanju Samson is a part of India's squad for the series against Ireland© BCCI — Sanju Samson is a part of India’s squad for the series against Ireland© BCCI

Sanju Samson Has Ability But Must Improve His Shot Selection: Sunil Gavaskar

So far, Sanju Samson has played one ODI and 13 T20Is for India scoring 46 and 174 runs respectively. Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has belief in Sanju Samson’s abilities but feels he needs to improve his shot selection.

“Everybody deserves more chance but you got to make the most of them. What has led Sanju Samson down, because all of us know the tremendous ability that he has, is his shot selection while playing for India. He looks to attack from the first ball and even in T20Is, there is an opportunity to get your feet going, get your eye…you know with the light and pitch, etc,” Sunil Gavaskar said during the fifth T20I between India and South Africa on Sunday which was abandoned due to rain.

“So, yes if his shot selection gets better then he will be so much more consistent whether it is for India or for his franchise. Then there will be nobody asking questions about his place in the team.”

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said there is no doubting the keeper’s potential but the Rajasthan Royals captain should improve his shot selection to be a consistent presence on the Indian T20I side. Sunil Gavaskar backed the RR keeper, saying no one can question his ability to be a game-changer. Team India will play two T20Is on June 26^th and 28^th in Dublin.

Sanju Samson Has Performed Well for Rajasthan Royals In IPL Unlike For India

Sanju Samson has been a consistent performer in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals over the last two seasons. The skipper led Rajasthan Royals to the final of IPL 2022, scoring 458 runs at a strike rate of close to 150. However, the RR keeper was not picked for the South Africa T20Is as India went in with Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik as their wicketkeeping options.

Sanju Samson has struggled to replicate his IPL exploits at the international level as the Kerala batter, who made his debut in 2015, has managed 174 runs at a meager average of 14.50 in 14 T20Is. The keeper, who is back in the mix in the lead-up to the T20I World Cup, faces a make-or-break situation as the competition for spots in the top-order and wicketkeeper is intensifying.

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India Likely To Retain 17-Member T20I Squad Announced For Ireland T20Is For England T20Is

Published on June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

India is likely to retain the squad for the two-match Ireland tour for the three-match T20I series in England. Led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Team India will play two T20Is on June 26 and June 28 in Dublin.

India will tour Ireland next week to play two T20 International matches in Dublin, this would be their first visit to the Irish state since 2018. The two teams have met only on three occasions in the shortest format and the former turned victorious in all three games.

India Likely To Retain Ireland Bound T20I Squad For England T20Is

Both the two teams have announced their squads for the two-match T20I series. The hosts have named a 14-member squad led by Andrew Balbirnie whereas the tourists will visit the Irish state with 17 players under all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s leadership. Hardik Pandya has been announced as the captain of the side while Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named as his deputy.

“The rescheduled fifth Test between India and England is supposed to be held in Birmingham from July 1-5, while the first T20I of the England series will take place only two days later, on July 7 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. It will be difficult for the players involved in the Test to switch to the T20Is at such a short notice.”

Indian cricketer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (L) and Hardik Pandya (Photo credit should read LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)

“In such a scenario, the squad picked for the two-T20Is in Ireland has been asked to go to England after that short series, since that outfit will be in T20 mode. This side will, in fact, play two T20 warm-up matches against local sides while the ‘main’ Indian team will be playing the Test match against the hosts at the same time,” a source said.

The selectors have not yet announced the India squad for the white-ball part of the England tour.

Rahul Tripathi Earns Maiden Call-up For Ireland T20Is Which Also Saw Sanju Samson’s Return

Indian selectors announced a 17-member squad for the 2-match T20I series against Ireland. Sanju Samson also returns to the squad after being ignored for the ongoing series against South Africa. Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer have been left out of the squad as they are going to be part of the Test squad in England.

Rahul Tripathi has finally gotten his first India call-up after a successful IPL 2022 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. There were a lot of backlashes after he was not considered for the 5-match T20 series against South Africa.

India squad for Ireland T20I series: Hardik Pandya (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi.

Ireland squad for India T20I series: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, Stephen Doheny, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Conor Olphert, Craig Young.

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Aakash Chopra Feels Question Mark Will Be Raised Over Rishabh Pant’s Place In T20I XI

Published on June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

Aakash Chopra feels question marks will be raised over Rishabh Pant’s place in India’s T20I side after his underwhelming performances against South Africa.

Rishabh Pant managed just 58 runs in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against the Proteas at a poor strike of 105.45. The stand-in Indian skipper repeatedly threw away his wicket while trying to play attacking shots against deliveries wide outside the off stump.

Aakash Chopra: There Was No Need For Rishabh Pant To Give An Audition As Rishabh Pant An Integral Part Of India’s Schemes

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra picked players who were a slight let-down in the T20I series against the Proteas. He named Rishabh Pant alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad and Axar Patel.

He chose Rishabh Pant behind Ruturaj Gaikwad and Axar Patel, saying: “The third I feel is Rishabh Pant. He was the captain in the series and when someone is the captain, you feel that he is secure. A lot of people, including myself, were of the opinion that there was no need for him to give an audition because he is one of the first names you would want to put when you prepare the squad.”

The former opener pointed out that the swashbuckling southpaw was almost considered an indispensable member of the Indian side before the series.

Aakash Chopra explained: “He is our X-factor. You get only one left-hander in the entire batting order, the rest all are right-handers. You never know whether Ishan Kishan will get a chance or not and Jaddu comes in the end, so Rishabh Pant is very very important and integral to India’s scheme of things.”

Rahul Dravid stated in the post-series press conference that Rishabh Pant is an integral member of India’s T20I side. He also reasoned that the dashing wicketkeeper-batter gives the Indian side a much-needed left-handed option in the middle order and can make match-defining contributions.

The Team India keeper-batter has scored 741 runs in 48 T20I matches at an average of 23.15 and a strike rate of 123.91. Rishabh Pant has managed just 58 runs in the series against South Africa at a mediocre average of 14.5 and an equally poor strike rate of 105.45. Rishabh Pant has struggled with the bat in the T20I series against South Africa, having registered scores of 29, 5, 6, 17, and 1*.

Aakash Chopra Reckons India Has Plethora Of Keepers To Replace Rishabh Pant If He Continues To Perform Poorly

Aakash Chopra highlighted the plethora of wicketkeeper-batter options Team India has if Rishabh Pant continues to underperform with the bat.

With as many as four wicketkeeper-batters in contention in Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik, it will be interesting to see how many get the nod. KL Rahul who was injured just before the ongoing South Africa series is another option for the keeper’s slot and will certainly make the 2022 T20I World Cup squad if fit.

He elaborated: “But if the performance remains ordinary and a pattern develops that you get out towards the off-stump repeatedly, there will be a question and there is no doubt in that, especially when Ishan Kishan is doing well at the top, KL Rahul can keep and Dinesh Karthik is performing well down the order.”

The renowned cricketer-turned commentator concluded by observing that there cannot be too many complaints if Rishabh Pant is left out of the Indian side. The aggressive batter had a poor IPL 2022 campaign as well. Leading the Delhi Capitals (DC), he scored 340 runs in 14 matches with a best of 44.

Aakash Chopra stated: “There will not be a lot of hues and cries if someone decides to leave out Rishabh Pant, and if such hues and cries are not generated, it means there is a problem. I feel he has also gone slightly back.”

Rishabh Pant is not part of the Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland as he is with the Test side for the final game against England. The Delhi Capitals skipper will have to be at his best in the subsequent 3 ODIs and as many T20Is against hosts England to put at bay all questions about his place in India’s squad for the 2022 T20I World Cup later this year.

Also Read: Eoin Morgan To Step Down As England Captain, Jos Buttler Or Moeen Ali Likely To Replace Him: Report

Openers: Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson:

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