![3 ways India can avoid a series defeat vs Ireland [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782552496578_IndiaIreland(1).jpg?type=hq)
3 ways India can avoid a series defeat vs Ireland [Source: AFP]
Team India suffered a nightmare in Belfast on June 26 as Ireland won the first T20I by 34 runs, thus winning their first-ever international game against the men in blue.
It was a complete team failure as both bowlers and batters failed to take responsibility. Despite reducing Ireland to 30/3, Indian bowlers couldn’t capitalise on the momentum and let the hosts post an above-par total of 182 on a two-paced track.
Meanwhile, during the run chase, the Indian batting order, except Abhishek Sharma, collapsed under scoreboard pressure. Abhishek scored 49 while Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar went back on single-digit scores.
Eventually, India were bowled out for 148 runs as Ireland registered a historic victory to gain a 1-0 lead in the series.
Having said that, the second and final T20I of the series is scheduled on June 28. It’s a do-or-die game for India, as they have to win to avoid a series loss. Here are three mistakes India must rectify to earn redemption on Sunday.
3 mistakes India must avoid in second T20I vs Ireland
1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut
The first and most obvious mistake was to ignore Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the first T20I. Fans had been waiting for his debut since his record-breaking IPL 2026 season.
However, the captain and management thought the 15-year-old needed more time to adjust to preparations for international cricket.
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However, at the same time, Sooryavanshi’s red-hot form shouldn’t be wasted either. He scored 94 runs for India A in a Tri-Series finale held just days ago in Sri Lanka. If he pairs up with Abhishek Sharma in the second T20I, the duo can do wonders in the powerplay.
2. Death bowling
A key reason behind India’s defeat in the first T20I was poor death bowling. Washington Sundar bowled just one over that too in the death and leaked 19 runs. The game-changing moment was the 17th over.
Prasidh Krishna got hit for 27 runs as Gareth Delany hammered three back-to-back sixes. Krishna eventually conceded 57 runs in 4 overs without taking a single wicket.
Hence, death bowling is something India needs to look at closely and fix the gaps. Prasidh could be dropped to include Prince Yadav, who is excellent in death overs. And the captain also must ensure the bowlers are rotated well to leave less room for error in the death.
3. Captaincy lapses
In his first T20I as India’s official captain, Shreyas Iyer appeared clueless. The gaps in his leadership acumen were clearly visible despite his being a successful IPL captain.
Firstly, Iyer brought Washington Sundar to bowl in the 16th over with two right-handers on the crease. The move immediately backfired as Sundar got hammered for 19 runs.
Secondly, Shivam Dube, who was bowling excellently by conceding just 18 runs for 1 wicket in 3 overs, didn’t complete his spell. Had he bowled the 17th over instead of Prasidh Krishna, the results could have been different for India.
These small captaincy gaps must be fixed by Shreyas Iyer in the second T20I if India are desperate to avoid a series defeat in Ireland.
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