IRE vs IND, 1st T20I Predicted Playing XI: Rinku Singh set for debut, coin flip between Samson and Sharma, new opening combination

India's tour of Ireland 2023 is set to commence on August 18 (Friday) and the upcoming three-match T20I series promises to be an interesting watch for onlookers not just because of Jasprit Bumrah's return to international cricket but also the inclusion of a few fresh faces in the squad. The 15-member Indian squad boasts of players who are either making a comeback to international cricket after a lengthy gap, players who have just begun playing for India and those who have earned their maiden national call-up.

Ahead of the opening match of the series, all eyes will be on the combination which Bumrah and the team management decide to field. While a few players are an automatic pick in the playing XI, there is stiff competition for places as well.

Let's take a look at India's predicted playing XI:

Openers: In the absence of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, prodigious talent Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Middle order: Suryakumar has been rested for the Ireland tour and in his absence, Tilak Varma is likely to bat at the No. position. Rinku Singh, who emerged as one of the glittering storylines of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, is set for debut. Hard-hitting left-handed batter Shivam Dube will bat somewhere in the middle order and would look to impose his will against Ireland spinners.

Wicket-keeper: Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are India's two options for the wicket-keeper's position. Samson being the senior player might get the not ahead of Samson to start the series.

All-rounder: Washington Sundar will be India's lone three-dimensional player as the right-arm off-spinner will bat in the lower order and do the job performed by Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

Fast bowlers: Bumrah will spearhead India's fast bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar are likely to partner their skipper.

Spinner: With Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav rested, Ravi Bishnoi is an automatic pick as an outright spinner in the playing XI.

India's predicted XI for 1st T20I vs Ireland: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar

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