India is all set to begin its two-match T20I series against ireland With the opening ceremony in Belfast on Friday, 26 June. Ahead of the much-awaited match, former India opener and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra Has revealed his favorite playing eleven for the series opener. While their selection includes many established names along with some exciting youngsters, the biggest talking point is the omission of the teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The 15-year-old has been one of the most talked-about cricketers in world cricket after his extraordinary performances ipl 2026 campaign, where he re-wrote several records and earned his first India call-up. However, Chopra believes that India should reward players who have already established themselves in the T20I setup rather than sending youngsters straight into the playing XI.
No place for teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Aakash Chopra’s XI
Suryavanshi’s absence from Chopra’s favorite eleven is expected to create a lot of discussion among the fans. The former Indian batsman admitted that the selectors face a tough choice between giving chances to young players and being fair to players who have already performed well for the national team. According to Chopra, India cannot accommodate all four top-order options, including Suryavanshi. Abhishek Sharma, sanju samson And Ishan KishanIn the same playing eleven.
He stressed that if the team wants to do justice to the established cast, Sooryavanshi may have to wait for its opportunity despite its sensational rise. Instead, Chopra has favored Abhishek and Samson to open the innings, with Kishan placed at No. 3. The decision reflects his preference for continuity, especially after India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign.
Experienced middle-order with reliable all-round options
Chopra has built his middle order around the newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Verma. Both the batsmen have been in impressive form and are expected to play important roles in India’s batting unit. Shivam Dubey Selected as a fast bowling all-rounder at number six, Chopra is expected to contribute with both bat and ball.
Akshar Patel The only spin-bowling all-rounder to slot in at number seven, gives India valuable balance in both departments. This combination provides depth in the batting and ensures that India have enough bowling options to suit different match conditions in Belfast.
Fast bowling attack with Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin department.
For the bowling attack, Chopra has opted for a mixture of pace and wrist spin. Harshit Rana He received this honor due to his ability to contribute with the bat in the lower order. Arshdeep Singh And Prasidh Krishna Complete the expert speed trio.
with Varun Chakraborty And -Kuldeep Yadav Chopra’s unavailability for the series has been supported by Ravi Bishnoi To lead the spin attack. The leg spinner’s wicket-taking ability in the middle overs makes him a vital component of India’s bowling plans.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the first T20 match against Ireland: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Verma (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Ravi Bishnoi.