Ireland vs India, T20: 5 players to watch out for

The Indian cricket team is all set to start a new season, a season which might well establish them as the number one team in the world across all the three formats.

They will take on England in a limited overs series, followed by a five-match Test series.

The Indian captain is under no illusion and believes the tour is going to be a tough prospect for his side.

"The last time we played [in England], we felt that collectively as a team we didn't perform consistently in all three skills," Kohli said in Delhi before departing for the tour.

"Because of that, the batsmen feel the extra pressure, or the bowlers feel the pressure because they feel batsmen aren't doing enough. But when both click together and whether it's swinging or seaming, bounce or turn, if you have momentum, any conditions feel favourable and if you don't have the momentum, flat pitches may also feel tough."

However, before the Indian team hop over to England, they have to face Ireland in a two-match T20 series and while this can serve as a warmup before the main event, the Irish can be underestimated only if the Indians want to falter even before they begin.

Here in this slider, we take a look at five players to watch out for.

#5 Hardik Pandya

The seam-bowling all-rounder has been with the Indian team for well over two seasons now and is a critical member of the squad.

He had a decent IPL season and his bowling has improved a lot and this is where Kohli will look towards him to provide four tight overs.

Also, he has to chip in with the bat and has to get the job done lower down the order and finish off the innings against the Irish attack which does not boast of extreme pace.

#4 William Porterfield

The Irish Test captain is not in-charge of the side in the shortest format but holds the key with the bat at the top of the order.

Porterfield is an orthodox player and has the ability to drop the anchor and play deep into the innings. Also, he has the experience to bring out all the strokes when the situation demands.

The southpaw has been synonymous with Ireland cricket and has been with the side in all its highs and lows and hence he needs to shoulder the responsibility against a strong Indian side.

#3 Gary Wilson

Captain in the shortest format, wicket-keeper batsman Gary Wilson has a chance to script history against India in the T20 series.

He is a stoic batsman who never likes to throw away his wicket and will be crucial in the middle order for his side.

Also, his presence behind the stumps will be closely monitored as he will have the feel of things and needs to take decisions accordingly. Certainly, a player to watch out for in the upcoming series.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

Perhaps, the best T20 bowler for India, Jasprit Bumrah will hold the key not only in the series against Ireland but will have to be in good shape for the next assignment against England in all the three formats.

He is coming off a decent IPL and will once again be the key bowler for Kohli, not only with the new ball, but in the middle overs and then towards the end to close out the innings.

#1 MS Dhoni

The man who made India fall in love with the format back in 2007, Dhoni is still there and in an almost scripted manner is perhaps playing the best cricket of his life.

In the recently concluded IPL, where he led his side Chennai Super Kings to the title for the third time, Dhoni played with gay abandon and rolled back time to his pomp. He walked in, assessed the situation and then unleashed, he won games, smiled and walked back.

However, it will be interesting if he carries this form into the International circuit and if he does it, India will be in perhaps the best space leading into the World Cup next year.