(Cricket news) The BCCI have announced a 17-member squad for the two-match T20I series against Ireland. The matches will be played on 26th and 28th of June at The village in Malahide. The Indian red ball team will already be practicing in England when this series commences. The squad doesn't have any surprises as such despite the decision to leave out one or two players has been questioned.

Squad: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

Hardik Pandya has been named the captain of the side while Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be his deputy. Pandya has made an incredible comeback and a lot of it has to do with his impeccable success with Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The only players not retained from the last T20I squad which is currently playing the series against South Africa are the ones in the Test squad. Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer will be joining the England tour and hence won't be in the T20I squad. 

The two new additions are Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi. Samson is India's go to replacement for Rishabh Pant and his inclusion was inevitable. Samson will be looking to put in a better performance if given a chance. He might not get a game since Ishan Kishan and Dinesh Karthik are wicket-keeping option in the team. Venkatesh Iyer and Deepak Hooda are ahead in the pecking order and are waiting for their opportunity on the bench. Suryakumar Yadav is back after recovering from his injury and he should slot straight into the Playing XI at number 3. This series is very important for the batter to show his quality and earn his place in the Playing XI once again. 

Even though there isn't an official statement, VVS Laxman is likely to coach the side. National Cricket Academy coaches Sitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Munish Bali will be part of his support staff. This series is very important for all the players who get the opportunity to play to try and either break into the squad or cement their place in it. 

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