Reports: Rahul Dravid and team likely to be rested for Ireland series

Rahul Dravid. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

India got back on track with a thumping win against the West Indies by an innings and 141 runs in the first Test in Roseau, Dominica. The second and final Test begins on July 20. Following the Tests, India will face the West Indies in a three-match ODI series and leave the Caribbean shores after completion of a five-match T20I series.

Following this, the ‘Men in Blue’ will be travelling to Ireland to play a three-match T20I series. All three games will be played in Dublin on August 18, 20, and 23.

As per a report from Cricbuzz, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid and the other members of his coaching staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, will be returning to India for some rest after the completion of the T20I series against the West Indies. They will not be with the team that will make the trip to Ireland.

VVS Laxman, who is the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is expected to take charge of the team in Ireland. He will be joined by either Sitanshu Kotak or Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the batting coach, while the bowling coach’s job is expected to be handed to either Troy Cooley or Sairaj Bahutule.

Laxman served as the stand-in head coach of the Indian team when they travelled to Ireland last time in 2022.

Jasprit Bumrah likely to return for Ireland series

The highly-anticipated comeback of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to take place in the Ireland series. This would serve as great preparation ahead of the Asia Cup, the home series against Australia, and the subsequent ODI World Cup in October-November.

In all likelihood, Hardik Pandya will be leading the side in Ireland. Shreyas Iyer, who recently started batting in the nets, might be in the squad that travels to the European nation. KL Rahul, another player recovering from injury, is not in contention for the Ireland series as well as the Asia Cup as he still needs some more time to recover.