India’s new T20I era begins in Belfast on Friday as Shreyas Iyer leads the side for the first time in the opening match of a two-game series against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Stormont.
While the reigning T20 World Cup champions arrive as overwhelming favourites, much of the pre-match buzz surrounds teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who will be on the verge of a historic international debut.
The 17-year-old has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket after a breakthrough IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals and a match-winning run for India A. His inclusion, however, presents the team management with a selection dilemma.
India’s top order has been one of the pillars of their recent success. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have all produced consistently, making it difficult to find a place for Sooryavanshi without reshuffling a settled batting lineup.
Beyond the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi, the series marks the beginning of Shreyas Iyer’s tenure as India’s T20I captain.
The 31-year-old returns to the format after more than two years and takes over from Suryakumar Yadav following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. Having enjoyed considerable success as a leader in franchise cricket, Iyer will be keen to stamp his authority on a side packed with attacking talent.
Alongside vice-captain Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, Iyer is expected to oversee an aggressive batting approach that has become India’s trademark in the shortest format.
Selection questions remain in the bowling department as well. Injuries to Varun Chakaravarthy and Nitish Reddy have forced late changes to the squad, bringing Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge into contention. The team management must also decide whether to hand opportunities to Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna or Prince alongside pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh.
Ireland face uphill challenge
Ireland enter the series under new captain Lorcan Tucker but have been severely hampered by injuries.
The hosts are without several key players, including Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Josh Little and Curtis Campher, forcing them to rely on a relatively inexperienced squad. Newcomers Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra have earned call-ups as Ireland look to test their depth against one of the strongest T20 sides in the world.
Despite their depleted resources, Ireland will hope home conditions at Stormont can help them challenge India and spring an upset.
India’s dominance over Ireland
History heavily favours India heading into the series. The Men in Blue have won all eight completed T20Is against Ireland and have not lost a match against them in the format.
The last meeting between the sides came at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India extended their perfect record. With 12 wins from 14 T20Is this year, they arrive in Belfast carrying strong momentum and expectations.
Whether the headlines belong to Iyer’s captaincy debut or a possible Sooryavanshi debut, Friday’s contest promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into India’s future in the shortest format.
India vs Ireland 1st T20I: Match Details
Where will the India vs Ireland 1st T20I be played?
The match will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Ground, Stormont, Belfast.
When will the India vs Ireland 1st T20I take place?
Friday, June 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the India vs Ireland 1st T20I live on TV?
Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD.
Where to watch the India vs Ireland 1st T20I live streaming?
SonyLiv website and app.
Squads
India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Ireland: Lorcan Tucker (captain), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector and Reuben Wilson.