India ready to start the two-match T20I series against Ireland with the opening match in Belfast on Friday, June 26. Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, former India opener and cricket analyst Akash Chopra announced his preferred 11 to open the series. While there are a few established names in his line-up along with some exciting youngsters, the biggest talking point is the teenager’s release of batting sensation. Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The 15-year-old has been one of the most talked about cricketers in world cricket after his extraordinary run. IPL 2026 during his campaign, he rewrote several records and earned his first India call-up. However, Chopra feels that India should reward players who have already established themselves in the T20I set-up rather than rushing a youngster straight into the playing XI.
There is no place for teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Aakash Chopra’s XI
Suryavanshi’s absence from Chopra’s chosen XI is expected to create a lot of debate among fans. The former Indian all-rounder admitted that the selectors were faced with a tough choice between giving the youngster an opportunity and being fair to players who have already surrendered for the national team. According to Chopra, India cannot accommodate all the top four options, Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan KishiXI in the same game.
He stressed that if the team wants to live up to the established performers, Suryavanshi may have to wait for his opportunity despite his sensational rise. Instead, Chopra supported Abhishek and Samson, Kishan was placed 3rd. The decision reflects his preference for continuity, especially after India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign.
Experienced middle order with reliable all-rounders
Chopra built his middle order around the newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma. Both the batsmen have been in impressive form and are expected to bear significant responsibility in India’s batting department. Shivam Dubey Chopra has been selected as a pace bowling all-rounder at No.6 where he is expected to contribute with both bat and ball.
Akhar Patel He ranks 7th as the lone spin bowler giving India valuable balance in both departments. This combination provides batting depth while ensuring that India have enough bowling options to adapt to different match situations in Belfast.
Also READ: Saba Karim picks India XI for first T20I against England; No place for Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Fast bowling attack with Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin department
For his bowling attack, Chopra opted for a mix of pace and wrist spin. Harshit Rana the lower order gets the nod for his ability to contribute with the lower bat Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna complete the expert pace trio.
with Varun Chakraborty and Kuldeep Yadav unavailable for the series, Chopra supported Ravi Bishnoi to lead a spin attack. The leg-spinner’s ability to take wickets through the middle shots makes him an important component of India’s bowling plans.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for 1st T20I vs Ireland: Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Ravi Bishnoi
