It’s almost the end of the tour of Ireland. With the series already in the pocket, Jasprit Bumrah & Co face Ireland in the 3rd T20 with plenty of changes on the card. India Cricket Team has remained unchanged in the first two T20s. However, as Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna are only back after long injury layoffs, head coach for the tour, Sitanshu Kotak has hinted at more game time for the pace duo. However, with Asian Games 2023 next assignment for T20s, Team India are likely to hand Jitesh Sharma debut in India vs Ireland 3rd T20. Sanju Samson is likely to be rested from India Playing XI. IND vs IRE 3rd T20 starts at 7:30 PM on Wednesday (August 22).
Since his return, Jasprit Bumrah has bowled four excellent spells. In two matches, he has bagged 4 wickets at just 4.87 economy. While it is a good indication that he is ready for the more challenging and gruelling Asia Cup 2023 in the humid conditions of Sri Lanka, the question is should he get more game time or should he take it easy?
Similarly, Prasidh Krishna is also on the comeback trail. Unlike Bumrah, Prasidh has bowled well in patches. While he has been extremely effective, he has also leaked runs. He has conceded at an economy rate of 7.62 while bagging four wickets. The head coach on the tour, Sitanshu Kotak has answered that.
“They were at the NCA for their RTPs (return to play) and strength and all. They never looked like they did not get a game, or were out of practice. They looked ready in practice. It is just that these guys need more game time before the World Cup. They will get three games in this series and (also) a few matches in the Asia Cup,” Sitanshu Kotak told the media ahead of IND vs IRE 3rd T20.
However, the other question is should India Cricket Team give Jitesh Sharma a go in India Playing XI with Asian Games 2023 just around the corner? With Sanju Samson still fighting for a spot in Asia Cup 2023, he got the nod. Now, that it’s confirmed Sanju will be in Asia Cup although as a reserve, India can bring Jitesh Sharma in. Sanju has blown hot and cold so far with a 26-ball 40 in the 2nd T20. But despite what seemed to a blazing knock did not have the flair.
While Sanju ripped Joshua Little apart, he was only batting at 20 off 16 at this point. Had he not smashed 18 off Little, his stats would have taken a hit as well. This has been his longest run so far and now, Jitesh can get a chance to prove his mettle.
IND vs IRE 3rd T20: What to expect?
- With series in the pocket, India can give chances to the bench warmers.
- While Bumrah and Prasidh have done well with the ball, the head coach wants to give them more game time. Hence, both are expected to start. That means, only one of Mukesh Kumar or Avesh Khan can make it to India Playing XI for 3rd T20 in place of Arshdeep Singh.
- Jitesh Sharma could also be tried in place of Sanju Samson.
- For the all-rounder slot, Shahbaz Ahmed has warmed the bench with Washington Sundar getting the opportunity.
- Shahbaz could take the spot from Washington Sundar.
As for the other positions, Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma will continue unless any niggle. Tilak has blown cold so far and will look to take his chances after maiden ODI call-up. Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal has also failed so far and would look to make ammends.
As for the third seamer role, it is likely that Arshdeep Singh will continue. However, Team India can also play one out of Bumrah or Prasidh in that place to give more game time.
Probable India Playing XI 3rd T20:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Tilak Varma
- Jitesh Sharma/ Sanju Samson (WK)
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube/ Shahbaz Ahmed
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Arshdeep Singh/ Mukesh Kumar/ Avesh Khan
- Ravi Bishnoi
India Squad vs Ireland: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah(c), Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Jitesh Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed
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