So it is finally here. India’s first game of the ICC World T20 is about to start today in New York. It is a big day for India and Ireland as they will be starting their campaign for the coveted championship. India is the favorite having already one: the first team to do so in 2007.
And it is a big day for cricket since it is India, the largest and richest cricket-loving nation in the world. Whilst the face with Ireland, who is by no means a weak team, is not the edge-of-the-seat competition that spectators will be waiting for, it is nonetheless a big game for both sides. As neither will want to give the opposition too much ground.
Team India – All to Play For and A Lot to Lose
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In big tournaments, every game is virtually a must-win one. For India, this is no different. Considering the opposition, which on paper is noticeably weaker, getting through them and registering the two points will be the main focus of the team. Thus one could expect India to play a full-strength side to take on the Irish.
In terms of team composition, there has been a lot of talk about Virat Kohli’s place in the side. Not his actual selection but at which spot in the lineup he ought to play. This point has been debated at length. The key is that Virat can bat at a position he is comfortable in; be it opening the batting or at No 3. Then build the rest of the batting around it. If Kohli plays at 3, then Yashasvi Jaiswal will likely join him at the top.
Whatever bowling, batting, and all-rounder composition the Indians choose to go with, you can expect it to be top-notch and is expected to produce a winning result against the Irish. The question is can Team India deliver on the day?
Ireland Are No Pushover in International Cricket
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In international cricket, Ireland are no pushovers. A team that has proved itself time and again led by the dynamic Paul Stirling. The Irish team has a strong spin consisting of the likes of Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, and Josh Little. The team plays as a unit knowing its strengths and limits. Against a powerful side like India, Ireland cannot hold back, but at the same time, they can play like they have nothing to lose.
And Ireland have some form behind them. Early last May Ireland beat a full-strength Pakistan side thanks to a solid 77 off 55 by Andy Balbirnie. Ireland will have such performances and a bit of luck against an Indian team that is still hurting from last year’s World Cup final defeat to Australia.
At this stage, more eyes will turn towards the pitch and overall conditions. The game between Sri Lanka and South Africa did raise some eyebrows, and the news is that the pitch is not the best for batting. So the players will have to adapt fast. Given the uncertainty the composition of the final playing eleven both teams will go for will be interesting to see.
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. He also writes and edits books and in his free time, he makes YouTube videos on topics like religion, theology, and current events. You can find his work here.
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