After concluding the T20I series against South Africa at 2-2, India is set to lock horns with Ireland in a two-match T20I series on June 26 and 28. 

With the first fixture scheduled for Sunday, let us take a look at 5 key players to watch out for.

1. Hardik Pandya

2022 seems to be the year of Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder who led Gujarat Titans, the winning team, in their debut Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 28-year-old scored 487 runs and took eight wickets in the 2022 season. Now, Pandya is set to showcase his captaincy and lead India for the first time in Sunday’s match.  

2. Dinesh Karthik

After making 330 runs in 16 matches with an average of 55 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, Dinesh Karthik is set to perform in the series, which will be key in determining if he is welcomed in the T20 World Cup 2022 squad. 

3. Umran Malik

The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer took 22 wickets in 14 matches in this year’s IPL, and also made headlines for the fastest deliveries in all the matches he played. With Sunday’s match just a few hours away, it will be interesting to see his performance if he makes his debut.

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4. Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi scored 413 runs in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in this year’s IPL. His exceptional performance has now been rewarded by his maiden Team India call-up. Now, only time will tell how he performs in the first T20I.

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5. Sanju Samson

Samson started off a bit wobbly, which kept him on the sidelines in Blue. However, his IPL 2022 performance, with a score of 458 runs in 17 games, has helped him make his Team India comeback.