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Team India is gearing up for the second T20I against Ireland, knowing they can't afford another slip-up after a rough start to the series. In the first match of the IRE vs IND T20 2026, Shreyas Iyer's
captaincy kicked off with a disappointing 34-run defeat in Belfast, marking India's first-ever loss to Ireland in any format. The team had a promising start, reducing the hosts to 51/4, but then lost their grip on the game. Harshit Rana shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 24 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Lorcan Tucker, who made a solid 50 before being caught. Unfortunately, Ireland bounced back strongly, and India's batting lineup crumbled, leaving them in dire need of a comeback in the series decider.
India's chase never really got going after they lost three wickets during the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma tried to keep things in check with a quickfire 49, smashing seven fours and two sixes. However, he was dismissed with India at 80/4 in the eighth over. Shivam Dube chipped in with 25 runs, but the lower order fell apart, as India lost their last four wickets for a mere 13 runs, ultimately getting bowled out for 148.
The moment history was made! 💚#BackingGreen | #IREvIND | #FáilteSolar pic.twitter.com/irDjNkEbK9
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) June 26, 2026
3 Things India Must Do in the 2nd T20I vs Ireland
1. Improve fielding standards
India's biggest worry coming out of the first T20I was their lackluster fielding. The visitors let some key chances slip through their fingers and appeared a bit disorganized on the field, which gave Ireland the chance to bounce back from a shaky start. Those missed opportunities turned out to be costly. Lorcan Tucker capitalized on a second chance, scoring 50 runs off 36 balls, while Gareth Delany added 49 runs from 32 deliveries, making them a formidable duo. Their partnership shifted the game's momentum, allowing Ireland to set a challenging total of 182/9. If India wants to regain control and stop Ireland from posting another competitive score, they need to step up their fielding game to their usual high standards.
2. Replace Prasidh Krishna with Prince Yadav
India might want to think about bringing Prince Yadav into the playing XI instead of Prasidh Krishna. The fast bowler had a tough outing again in the shortest format, giving away 57 runs in just four overs without picking up a wicket in Belfast. His overall T20I stats are also a bit worrying, with an economy rate of 11.54 and a bowling average of 34.63. On the other hand, Prince Yadav could be a refreshing addition after a standout IPL season, where he took 16 wickets in 14 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants. His ability to vary pace could really bolster India's bowling lineup.
Leading from the front! 🫡#BackingGreen | #IREvIND | #FáilteSolar pic.twitter.com/DGZagIJhYD
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) June 26, 2026
3. Bring Ravi Bishnoi in for Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar had a pretty quiet outing in the first T20I. He managed to score just 9 runs off 12 balls and bowled only one over, which cost 19 runs. With his talents not being fully tapped into, India might want to consider bringing in a specialist wicket-taking spinner. Ravi Bishnoi has been a standout performer in T20Is, claiming 64 wickets in 44 matches with an impressive average of 19.52 and an economy rate of 7.41. His aggressive leg-spin could provide the crucial middle-over breakthroughs that India missed in the series opener, boosting their chances of pushing the series to a decider.
