It was rain that marred the India vs Ireland series. But nonetheless, it was a series that yielded results in favour of the Indian Cricket Team. With the Men in Blue picking up a 2-0 win, Jasprit Bumrah led a team of youngsters, did however, lighted up the Malahide. Following the conclusion of this short tour head of Asia Cup, India boasts of getting quite a few positives from the IND vs IRE series.
India narrowly won the first game by 2 runs after rain played spoilsport. The third game was called off without a single ball being bowled after heavy rain in Malahide. But it was the second game that kept the crowd and the fans at its peak. In a thrilling contest, India picked up a 33-run win to seal the series. And with the series being a success here are some of the positives from the series.
1. Jasprit Bumrah Returns to International Cricket
Jasprit Bumrah was injured for around 11 months which saw the Indian speedster missing some crucial international tournaments. But the pacer got his light in the sun when he was appointed the skipper of the Indian squad for this series. Ahead of big tournaments like Asia Cup and World Cup, Bumrah needed match timings and this series served as a crucial series for the 29-year-old.
Bumrah made his return to International cricket in stunning fashion. Though he was hit for a four on his first delivery in the first game, he immediately dispatched Andrew Balbirnie with a devilish yorker. 2 deliveries later, Lorcan Tucker had to return for a duck from a sensational ball by Bumrah. Game 2, same Bumrah again. He picked 2 important wickets and with a crucial last-over spell which yielded a maiden wicket over.
2. Return of Prasidh Krishna
Another Indian bowler who was out for a long time and was waiting for his chance to play for the Men in Blue was Prasidh Krishna. He too like Bumrah scalped 2 wickets a piece in both games to create a crucial headache for the BCCI Selection Committee.
Bowling in the death and the middle overs and getting wickets at regular intervals is what Krishna thrived on and he was duly rewarded. Krishna found his name in the Asia Cup squad and will be keen to continue his fine form in the big tournament that lies ahead.
3. New Finisher found for India
Rinku Singh is another player who desperately needed his chance to shine. After showcasing his talent in IPL 2023 where he slammed 5 consecutive sixes against Yash Dayal to win the game for KKR, it was just waiting for the right moment to get his call-up for the National team.
While Rinku Singh didn’t get a chance to bat in the first game, he made the best of his batting debut in the second game of the series. His 38-run blitzkrieg from just 21 balls showed that India has found a new left-handed finisher amongst their mixes. With 2 fours and 3 gigantic sixes, Singh helped India mount a big total which in the end proved crucial for the visitors winning the match by 33 runs.
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4. Bishnoi waves his magic
Ravi Bishnoi has been terrific in the India vs Ireland series picking up 4 wickets in 2 games. More important he along with Washington Sundar will be leading India’s spin contingent in the Asian Games. Therefore it was extremely crucial for the young leg spinner to find his form ahead of the tournament.
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad Shines
The highest run-getter in the series, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has done everything right in this series. Leading the Indian batting unit from the front, Gaikwad has shown he is an aggressive run-getter who can destroy his opponents. He remained unbeaten on 19 in the first game and then slammed 58 runs in the second match.
With a collective score of 77 runs, he became the highest run-scorer in the tournament. With the Asian Games looming in the horizon, the soon-to-be skipper for the India Cricket Team for the Asian Games, a tough job lies ahead for Gaikwad.
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