India squad has been announced for the two-match T20 International series against Ireland in Dublin which is scheduled to be played on June 26 and June 28.
While IPL 2022's winning captain Hardik Pandya named as India captain for the Ireland tour, the Ranchi-born Rahul Tripathi, who put up a sensational performance in the just concluded cash-rich league, has received a maiden India call-up.
The 31-year-old right-hand batter Tripathi has been one of the most consistent uncapped IPL player over six seasons with 2022 edition being his best as he totalled 413 runs at a strike-rate of 158.24 for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Tripathi, a son of an Army man, has been consistently performing in the IPL and also for his domestic side Maharashtra.
"It is a very big opportunity, a dream come true (moment) and (I) appreciate (it)," Tripathi said.
"I am very happy that the selectors and everybody believed in me and whatever hard-work I have put in, I have got the rewards. And hopefully, if I get an opportunity to play, I will try and give my best," added Tripathi, who has the distinction of twice hitting six sixes in an over in local tournaments.
Tripathi, who has played for the prestigious Deccan Gymkhana club, one of the oldest in Pune, has 2,540 first class runs from 47 matches. He has also captained Maharashtra in domestic cricket.
Pandya, who is Rishabh Pant's deputy in the current T20I series against South Africa, was elevated to the leadership role and will join the Test squad in England after the completion of the home series.
Sanju Samson, whose profligacy has been well documented over the years, gets another shot at redemption, as he made a comeback for the series, having guided Rajasthan Royals to the IPL final.
Also back in the squad is Suryakumar Yadav, who had sustained a wrist fracture. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named vice-captain for the series.
The designated wicketkeeper will be 36-year-old Dinesh Karthik if one goes by the squad list, while both Ishan Kishan and Samson can keep wickets if need be. Samson's keeping isn't considered up to the mark, so he could well be the third keeper in the mix.
India's T20I squad: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik.
