India is all set to begin their two-match T20I series against Ireland with the opening fixture in Belfast on Friday, June 26. Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, former India opener and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has revealed his preferred playing XI for the series opener. While his selection features several established names alongside a few exciting youngsters, the biggest talking point is the omission of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The 15-year-old has been one of the most talked-about cricketers in world cricket following his extraordinary IPL 2026 campaign, where he rewrote several records and earned his maiden India call-up. However, Chopra believes India should reward the players who have already established themselves in the T20I setup rather than rushing the youngster straight into the playing XI.
No place for teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Aakash Chopra’s XI
Suryavanshi’s absence from Chopra’s preferred XI is expected to generate plenty of discussion among fans. The former Indian batter admitted that the selectors face a difficult choice between giving the youngster an opportunity and remaining fair to the players who have already delivered for the national side. According to Chopra, India cannot accommodate all four top-order options, Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, in the same playing XI.
He stressed that if the team wants to do justice to the established performers, Suryavanshi may have to wait for his opportunity despite his sensational rise. Instead, Chopra has backed Abhishek and Samson to open the innings, with Kishan slotting in at No. 3. The decision reflects his preference for continuity, especially after India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign.
Experienced middle order with dependable all-round options
Chopra has built his middle order around newly-appointed captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma. Both batters have been in impressive form and are expected to shoulder significant responsibility in India’s batting unit. Shivam Dube has been selected as the pace-bowling all-rounder at No. 6, with Chopra expecting him to contribute with both bat and ball.
Axar Patel follows at No. 7 as the lone spin-bowling all-rounder, giving India valuable balance in both departments. The combination provides batting depth while ensuring India have enough bowling options to adapt to different match situations in Belfast.
Pace-heavy bowling attack with Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin department
For the bowling attack, Chopra has opted for a blend of pace and wrist spin. Harshit Rana gets the nod because of his ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order, while Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna complete the specialist pace trio.
With Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav unavailable for the series, Chopra has backed Ravi Bishnoi to spearhead the spin attack. The leg-spinner’s wicket-taking ability through the middle overs makes him an important component of India’s bowling plans.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the 1st T20I against Ireland: Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Ravi Bishnoi
