India vs Ireland 2nd T20I 2026 predicted lineups with potential Sooryavanshi debut at Belfast in must-win match

India vs Ireland 2nd T20I 2026 predicted lineups with potential Sooryavanshi debut at Belfast in must-win match originally appeared on Cricket News.
Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• India faces Ireland in the second T20I at Belfast on June 28, 2026, in a must-win contest.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could finally earn his debut after sitting out India’s shock defeat in the opener.
• Ireland is expected to keep faith with the same XI that made history in the opener.

India vs Ireland 2nd T20I: Possible XIs and Sooryavanshi’s big moment

India arrives at the second T20I in unfamiliar territory, staring down the barrel of a series defeat. Beaten by 34 runs in a stunning first-game collapse, the world champions must win at Belfast on June 28 to avoid a humbling clean sweep against Ireland.

The defeat has only intensified the spotlight on two big storylines. Shreyas Iyer’s reign as the new T20I captain began with a chastening loss, and the clamour for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be unleashed has grown louder after India’s batting fell apart in the chase.

Much of the noise centres on Sooryavanshi’s opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, pairing two attacking left-handers at the top. India-backed experience in the opener, with Iyer insisting the youngster’s chance would come, but a must-win game may force the management’s hand at last.

If India does roll the dice, Sooryavanshi likely slots in for the out-of-touch Ishan Kishan, with Sanju Samson keeping wicket at three behind Iyer and Tilak Varma. The bowling could also see a tweak, with Ravi Bishnoi pushing the expensive Prasidh Krishna for a place.

MORE: India under Shreyas Iyer become latest victims of T20 World Cup champions’ curse

India’s Predicted XI vs Ireland (2nd T20I)

• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
• Abhishek Sharma
• Sanju Samson (WK)
• Ishan Kishan
• Shreyas Iyer (C)
• Tilak Varma (VC)
• Shivam Dube
• Axar Patel
• Harshit Rana
• Arshdeep Singh
• Ravi Bishnoi

MORE: Ashwin defends Gambhir in keeping Sooryavanshi out of India lineup in 1st T20I

Ireland’s predicted XI vs India (2nd T20I)

Ireland has every reason to leave their history-making side untouched. Captain Lorcan Tucker will again anchor from behind the stumps, with the Tector brothers, Ross Adair, and the experienced Gareth Delany and George Dockrell forming a settled and confident batting core after the famous win.

The bowling attack that skittled India for 148 should also stay intact. Debutant heroes Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard, who took five wickets between them, will look to repeat the trick alongside Matthew Humphreys and the spin of Dockrell and Delany on a helpful surface.

• Tim Tector
• Ross Adair
• Harry Tector
• Lorcan Tucker (C & WK)
• Ben Calitz
• Gareth Delany
• George Dockrell
• Matthew Humphreys
• Matthew Hollard
• Liam McCarthy
• Jai Moondra

For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.