India gears up for T20 World Cup challenge against Ireland
As the much-awaited T20 World Cup gets underway, team India will kick off their campaign against Associates nation Ireland in their opening Super 12 fixture on Wednesday. The high-stakes clash is slated to be played at the scenic Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York which will host 3 of India's group stage matches.
With conditions in New York favoring batters who can rotate the strike regularly, India's think tank will have an strategic selection dilemma. They may look to include anchors as well as accumulators who can capitalize in the big square boundaries. Rohit Sharma and co will need to carefully pick their combinations to outwit Ireland, Pakistan and tournament hosts USA in the group stages.
As per experts, India is likely to back their star-studded batting lineup of Rohit, Kohli, Pant and Suryakumar Yadav with the talented Sanju Samson providing the x-factor from the middle-order. Hardik Pandya's all-round skills and higher-order batting make him a vital cog. Shivam Dube and Axar Patel vie for the spin-bowling all-rounder slot.
For Ireland, Paul Stirling & Co will bank on Harry Tector's big-hitting prowess. The young gun holds the Irish record for the highest individual T20I score against India. He is expected to shoulder responsibility in the powerplay and middle overs against India's spin attack.
However, Ireland will have their task cut out. In the past encounters, India dominates the head-to-head 7-0. The pitch is known to slow down as the match progresses while overcast conditions may pose challenges.
All eyes will be on Hardik as his bowling performance could shape India's fortunes. Can Ireland spring a surprise? We'll find out when these teams lock horns on Wednesday evening!
