India Hit by Big Setback Before Ireland T20Is: Varun Chakravarthy Ruled Out as Shreyas Iyer Begins New Captaincy Era

New Delhi: India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 International series against Ireland have suffered a significant setback, with star spinner Varun Chakravarthy ruled out due to an ongoing foot injury.

The decision, confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), comes as the team enters a new phase under fresh leadership and a reshaped squad.

Chakravarthy, who has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, has been a crucial part of India’s white-ball bowling attack in recent years, picking up 73 wickets in 45 T20Is and 10 wickets in ODIs. His most recent international appearance came during the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Leadership Shift: Shreyas Iyer Takes Charge

In Chakravarthy’s absence, attention has shifted to a new chapter in India’s T20 setup as Shreyas Iyer takes over as captain for the Ireland tour.

The series, scheduled from June 26 to June 28 at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast, marks the beginning of what selectors are calling a transition phase ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments.

Young batter Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain, highlighting the team management’s intent to groom a younger leadership core for the future.

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A New Generation Begins to Emerge

The squad selection has also sparked excitement among fans due to the inclusion of 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose rapid rise continues to make headlines in Indian cricket circles.

With a blend of youth and experience, the squad reflects India’s long-term planning strategy as they prepare for a packed international calendar.

Bowling Changes and Tactical Adjustments

To fill the gap left by Chakravarthy, the selectors have brought in fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, adding more pace depth to the squad.

In the spin department, Axar Patel is expected to take the lead role, supported by Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi, ensuring India still fields a balanced attack despite the absence of their frontline spinner.

India’s Dominance Over Ireland

History remains firmly in India’s favour. The Men in Blue have won all eight T20 internationals played against Ireland so far, maintaining a flawless record in the rivalry.

The two sides last met during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory, further extending their dominance.

Despite the changes in leadership and squad composition, India will enter the series as clear favourites.

Full Squad for Ireland T20Is

India’s updated squad features:

Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prasidh Krishna.

As India begins a new T20 chapter under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, the Ireland series will not just be about results—but about testing a fresh identity built for the future.