Ireland have announced they’re squad for the upcoming two match T20I series vs India, in Belfast, and well it’s pretty much a change up right away. The team is set to be led by Lorcan Tucker, who’s been appointed as the new captain in the shortest format, no question about it.

 

This series also lands at a rough moment for Ireland, because several senior players have already been ruled out because of injuries. Still, despite all that, the selectors have gone for a few newer faces in the group, and are kind of hoping the young guys can grab the chance and make it count, right now.

 

Injury problems Force Big changes

 

Ireland will head into the contests without a handful of key players.

 

Paul Stirling has been ruled out with a torn calf muscle, while Josh Little is dealing with a stress fracture. Mark Adair will miss the series too, after picking up a rectus muscle tear.

 

On top of that, Curtis Campher has suffered a hand fracture, Barry McCarthy is recovering from a complete ACL tear, and Jordan Neill is unavailable due to shoulder and foot injuries.

 

With all these knocks, the selectors have had to reassess everything, and look at younger options before the series even begins.

 

Three new faces earn call ups

 

With the injury crisis still unfolding, Ireland have included three uncapped players in their squad.

 

Jai Moondra, Matthew Hollard and Reuben Wilson have all been selected for the national camp. Wilson recently made his Test debut against New Zealand, while Moondra and Hollard are getting their first senior call-ups, basically first proper stepping stones.

 

The selectors feel the series vs India will hand these young players some valuable experience, and maybe even set them up for more later.

 

Also Read | Why India's T20I Captaincy Battle Between Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill isn't Over

 

Tucker proud to lead Ireland

 

Lorcan Tucker has been with Ireland since 2016. He has also captained the team on two earlier occasions as a stand in skipper. He’s had leadership experience as well with Leinster Lightning in domestic cricket.

 

After being named captain, Tucker spoke about what the role means to him.

 

Lorcan Tucker said:

 

“It’s obviously a great privilege, and not one I thought would arrive when I started my career all those years ago. There’s a feeling of responsibility to the playing group and organisation to represent them well, and also to all the other captains who came before me."

"I look back with admiration at all the captains that have led Ireland in the past and am proud to now join them.” 

 

Tucker explains his leadership style

 

The wicketkeeper batter also shared how he intends to run things as captain.

 

He added:

 

“My approach to the captaincy is to lead from within and by example. I’d like to think I have good relationships with all the staff and players and can act with honesty and empathy. I feel like it’s my job to bring the best out of them and allow them to do amazing things for themselves and us as a team.”

 

Tucker is confident that solid relationships, plus helping players reach their very best, will matter a lot for the team’s success.

 

Selector backs young players

 

National Men’s Selector Andrew White acknowledged that injuries have hit the squad hard, but said it also opens doors for others.

 

Andrew White said:

 

"We can’t disguise the fact that we’re hampered by injury at present, with at least five first-team regulars missing due to injury. However, my view in such circumstances is that one player’s misfortune is another player's opportunity. As such, we’ve named three uncapped players in the squad of 14."

 

Ireland will now try to put the injury concerns behind them, and go challenge India with a young, refreshed squad there in Belfast.

 

Ireland Squad for T20Is vs India

 

Lorcan Tucker (c), 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.