Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field first as India took on Ireland in the 1st T20I of a two-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, on 26 June. Teenage prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI, delaying his senior men's international debut, while Indian-born Jai Moondra marked the occasion by making his debut for Ireland.

Iyer's Captaincy Begins

Shreyas Iyer returns to the T20I setup for the first time in over two years, stepping in as captain to usher in what many see as a new chapter for the three-time world champions. His batting unit includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma as vice-captain, and power-hitter Shivam Dube — a lineup built around aggression and intent.

After winning the toss, Iyer said, 'Going to field first. It's a new surface for us, first time in Belfast. Considering the conditions, the environment, and the wicket, I want to field first. He's just asked all the players to be themselves and be relentless in the approach. Ruthless. So many other adverbs I can put in here. Need to get accustomed to the conditions as quickly as possible. We're going to take one match at a time. Always keep saying that you don't have to complicate things.'

Sooryavanshi's Wait Continues

The most-watched selection call ahead of the series was whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage batting sensation, would earn his senior debut. He has not been included in the playing XI for the opener. When asked, Iyer said, 'Unfortunately, no (Vaibhav playing?). He'll get his opportunity when the time comes. For now, we're going with three genuine seamers, 1 allrounder.'

India's pace attack features Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar providing spin and all-round cover.

Ireland's Injury-Hit Squad

Ireland enter the series severely undermanned. New captain Lorcan Tucker leads a squad missing key regulars — Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, and Curtis Campher — all sidelined through injury. Newcomers Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra have been called up to fill the gaps.

After losing the toss, Tucker said, 'Would've bowled. Looks like a really good pitch. It was a matter of transition. Stirlo led the last couple of years beautifully. Jai is making his debut today.'

India's Dominant Historical Record

History offers Ireland little comfort. India have never lost a completed T20I against Ireland, winning all eight previous meetings. The visitors will be keen to extend that unbeaten run as Iyer's captaincy era gets underway at Stormont.

Playing XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.

Ireland: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk/c), Benjamin Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Jai Moondra, Matthew Hollard.

With India unbeaten in all eight prior T20Is against Ireland and Iyer eager to stamp his authority early, the first match of this short series carries more weight than the scoreline alone will suggest.