After the current all-format series against the West Indies concludes, Team India will continue travelling and land in Ireland following the fifth T20I on August 13. The Men in Blue will begin their three-game tour to Ireland just five days later.
It is expected that some players will rest to be ready for the Asia Cup, which begins on September 2. India may have a backup team and a new captain during the Ireland series.
Here are 3 players who can be rested for the T20I series against Ireland—
3. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is an all-format player for Team India and might be given the much-needed rest before the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup too. He is in the Caribbean islands for the all-format series and is certain to play in the World Cup. Gill plays all three formats and the team management will have to manage his workload.
The opening batter was in sensational form in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). He won the orange cap scoring 89 runs in IPL 2023. But he has not found form in international cricket after the World Test Championship (WTC) failure. He will surely like to get back in form before the much-awaited World Cup later this year.
2. Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj has already been given a break for the ODI series against the West Indies. In the series against the West Indies, Siraj participated in both Test matches and also secured a five-for in the second Test in Trinidad, earning him the first man of the match award.
The pacer has returned to India. For the forthcoming T20I series against the Caribbean squad, he has also been rested. He might also be rested for the Ireland series, keeping in mind the workload, as there is Asia Cup and World Cup, which is scheduled later this year, he will be a crucial player for the major tournament.
1. Hardik Pandya
The Indian Cricket Board is likely to rest a few Indian players from the IND Vs IRE series in light of the upcoming major tournaments. Given Hardik Pandya’s importance to India’s white-ball team, the workload of the T20I captain will be vital.
Hardik Pandya has been chosen for the Indian World Cup team and will compete in the Asia Cup before the major upcoming event. Since Pandya won’t have enough time to relax before the Continental competition. He will be rested for the Ireland series.