LISTICLE
Follow UsIndia will be playing three T20Is against Ireland, but the focus is largely going to be on the ODI World Cup. We will get to witness the likes of Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed prove their T20 credentials at the international level. However, this series will also tell us if Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna are match-fit for the 50-over format or not.
There are a couple more players who are in the ODI scheme of things and a good performance in the three-match T20I series could help them make a strong case for the 50-over showpiece event later this year.
Jasprit Bumrah
Let’s start with the obvious one. The entire build-up to this series has revolved around the comeback of Bumrah. The ace paceman hasn’t played any competitive cricket for almost 11 months and the Indian team management would be delighted that he is back and would want him to get some much-needed game time ahead of the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
Bumrah, who underwent surgery on his lower back earlier this year, can only bowl a maximum of 12 overs in these three T20Is, but it would still give the selectors a fair idea if he is ready for the 50-over format or not. The Men in Blue have missed his services in the death overs (41-50), where they have the worst economy rate (8.4) amongst the top-10 teams since July 15, 2022. Bumrah played his last ODI on July 14, 2022.
We all know how good he is in this phase of the innings and everyone will be keeping a close eye on how the 29-year-old operates against Ireland. No matter what happens, “Is Bumrah ready for the 50-over format?” will be the biggest takeaway from this series.
Prasidh Krishna
If Bumrah hasn’t played international cricket for almost 11 months, Prasidh has been out of action for a year. The tall and lanky fast bowler from Karnataka was brought into the ODI set-up as the middle-over enforcer and had an impressive start to his career. In 14 ODIs, the right-armer has 25 wickets at an average of 23.92 and a strike rate of 26.9.
If Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah are both fit and available, India could bring back Prasidh in place of Mohammed Shami. The latter is lethal with the new ball but India already have Siraj and Bumrah to do that job. Hardik Pandya is also a handy new-ball bowler, meaning India could use someone like Prasidh to bring some variety into the pace attack.
The hit-the-deck seamer has picked up 16 of his 25 wickets in the middle overs and could add more value to India’s pace attack. India tried Umran Malik for a similar role but the tearaway quick from Jammu and Kashmir couldn’t match the credentials of Prasidh.
Sanju Samson
The right-handed batter from Kerala is likely to face the axe if and when KL Rahul returns from his injury. Samson has a phenomenal record in ODIs, averaging 55.71 at a strike rate of 104 after 13 encounters. However, according to a report in the Times of India, Samson could be left out of the Asia Cup squad after having a mediocre T20I series against West Indies.
Samson scored 13, 7 and 12 in the T20I series, but did register a half-century in one of the two ODIs he played in West Indies. The Indian selectors have a history of mixing formats and it won’t be surprising if Samson is dropped from the ODI set-up because of his poor numbers in T20Is. Ishan Kishan is ahead of Samson in the pecking order. However, a couple of good showings against Ireland could keep him in the scheme of things. This will only happen if Rahul doesn’t recover on time.
Washington Sundar
India need an offspinner. India need a lower-order batter. India need a left-hander. There are three requirements and Washington could be the answer to all of them. The 23-year-old has all the ingredients to demand a spot in India’s ODI XI, but that is if he manages to keep himself fit. The all-rounder has had multiple injuries in his career so far and that’s the only thing that has held him back.
Washington has the skill set to succeed in all three formats, but for now, he would want to focus on the 50-over format. India don’t have a single offspinner in their arsenal and we all know how badly they were exposed in West Indies for the lack of batting depth. That’s where Washington could come into play. He could bat anywhere in the batting order and his inclusion could help India get the right balance.
Washington hasn't played any international cricket since February 2023 but recently featured in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy, so has enough game-time behind him.
Tilak Varma
“If Tilak Varma is hot, bring him in.” Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wants the young left-hander in the ODI set-up and you can’t really blame him. The 20-year-old has featured in only five T20Is, all of which came earlier this month. In those five games, Tilak slammed scores of 39, 51, 49*, 7* and 27, showing everyone he is more than ready for international cricket.
In the absence of Shreyas Iyer, India need someone in the middle order who can attack spin and that’s where Tilak could come into play. You look at his List A numbers, the youngster averages 56.18 and has a strike rate of 101.64. What’s more, he is also a handy offspinner and we all know how badly India require someone in the top-five to chip in with a few overs.
