Ireland vs India 2018, T20I series: 3 possible Irish threats for India

India has embarked on an 80-day tour of the United Kingdom. This would be the biggest test of the team’s character and grit, India would want to come out strong from this tour. The current side touring England is considered to be among the strongest sides to tour the country looking at the strength and balance of the squad.

They have the batting to challenge the might of the English bowlers and if conditions favour the fast bowlers, India have got a very strong, complete bowling attack which can challenge the English batsmen across all formats.

Looking ahead to the ICC World Cup 2019 to be played in England, India would want to get the right combinations for their squad in this series. As it would give the team a good simulation of what to expect in the ICC Cricket World Cup in terms of pitch conditions.

Ahead of the limited-overs wing of their England tour, India takes on Ireland in a two-match T20I series. India would want to avoid being complacent against the Irish, who have the personnel to pull off what could be a massive upset and the worse possible start to the long tour.

Here’s looking at 3 possible Irish threats for India as we head into the NetMeds Cup:

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#3 Boyd Rankin’s height coupled with his ability to trouble batsmen with pace

The tall, lanky speedster from Ireland became a sensation after his spirited performances ensured Ireland reached the Super 8 stage of the ICC World Cup 2007. He took 14 wickets in the tournament displaying his quality as a fast bowler.

Boyd Rankin was one of those players who has played for Ireland and England. After representing Ireland in 37 ODI’s and 15 T20I’s, he first played for England in a T20I against New Zealand in the year 2013. He would have hoped to make it big for England with some good performances, but that was not to be.

But that was not to be as the English selectors were reluctant to give the Irish speedster a long run. And in 2016, he made his return for Ireland and is one of their biggest trump cards. Rankin’s ability to extract lateral movement at pace makes him a threat.

With many Indian batsmen susceptible to the moving, swinging ball and with this T20I series being the tourists first series on their tour, Boyd Rankin’s spell of four overs could be potent and threatening. India would need to play out the threat of Rankin who is easily Ireland’s biggest weapon.

#2 Gary Wilson’s experience as captain

Gary Wilson

Gary Wilson has been around for a while now. The right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper made his international debut for Ireland against India and ever since has been a steady figure in the Ireland ODI and T20I side.

He bats at the number 6 position and has delivered steady returns of 1019 runs in 57 T20I’s, which is not too fancy but he does his bit with the bat. His important contribution to this Ireland T20 team comes behind the stumps as a wicket-keeper. He has been a consistent, bankable wicket-keeper.

Gary Wilson’s biggest asset is his experience as a captain. After Graeme Smith had to leave Surrey cricket club in the year 2011 due to an injury, where Gary Wilson plays for in the English County Championship, they made him the captain. And it is that experience of leading a county side that helped him get the role of leading Ireland in the T20s.

Niall O’ Brien was considered someone who could dethrone Gary Wilson from the side, but post the fall out he had with then-coach Phill Simmons, Ireland decided to stick with Gary Wilson. His experience as a captain will come in handy for Ireland in this high profile series.

Ireland would want to be as competitive as possible against a formidable Indian unit. He needs to provide the stability behind the stumps and the pressure of captaining the side will be put to its biggest test as he faces off against a far superior side. It will be interesting to see how he operates in this two-match series. Can Gary Wilson hold his nerve and ensure he manages his team well?

#1 Kevin O’ Brien’s all-round abilities

Kevin O Brien

Everyone will remember Kevin O Brien from his brilliance against England in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, where his century propelled Ireland to success. More than the importance of the knock, it was the manner in which he went about his batting which impressed the cricketing world.

Kevin O'Brien’s biggest strength seems to be the fact that he is unperturbed by any big occasion. That was visible in his century against England or more recently when he became Ireland's first test centurion in their historic test debut.

It is this very quality which Ireland will look to capitalize or make use of in this two matches T20I series. Ireland are up against some of the best players in the world and they will want the likes of Kevin O' Brien to deliver a strong performance with both bat and ball.

Not only them but everyone watching this series would want it to be a closely fought one and for that to happen the likes of Kevin O Brien and Paul Stirling should have two good, productive games. The threat when Kevin gets going is a known fact, so India would need to be wary about that.