India vice-captain Tilak Varma on 28 June declared the team's intent to win the second T20I against Ireland in Belfast and level the three-match series, after suffering a 34-run defeat in the opener — a result that also marked India's first-ever loss to Ireland in international cricket.

Tilak on His Vice-Captaincy Role

Speaking ahead of the second game, Tilak described his new leadership responsibility as both an honour and an obligation. 'It feels really good. At the same time, it's a responsibility. As I've already captained in the age-group categories and recently led an India A side, whatever inputs I have, I'm sharing them on the field,' he said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters.

Tilak, who scored 19 runs in the first match, acknowledged that the vice-captaincy role did not deliver the desired result in the opener but remained optimistic. 'Even in the last match, I shared whatever little I could as vice-captain. But unfortunately, the result didn't go our way. Hopefully, we've got another match now, and we're looking to win it and level the series,' he added.

India's Response to the Opening Defeat

Despite the shock loss at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Tilak indicated that the team had not over-analysed the setback. 'We haven't spoken too much about it because it's just one match. At the same time, we've gone back to our basics. We're following our basics and continuing to play the fearless T20 cricket that we've been playing for so many years,' he said.

He was emphatic that a single result would not define the side. 'One match doesn't define this team. So whatever confidence you have — whether it's about hitting the very first ball or going for a wicket with your very first ball — you can back yourself and play fearless cricket,' Tilak stated.

Two Debutants Named for the Second T20I

India made notable changes to their playing eleven for the Sunday clash, handing debuts to seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge and pacer Prince Yadav. Shedge impressed for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, while Yadav had a standout campaign for Lucknow Super Giants. Yadav had already made his ODI debut against Afghanistan earlier this month, making his T20I call-up a natural progression.

What's at Stake

With one match played and two remaining, India face the prospect of their first-ever series defeat to Ireland if they fail to respond. The result at Stormont was a rare blemish on India's otherwise dominant T20I record against Associate nations. A win in Belfast would set up a series decider and restore momentum heading into India's broader white-ball calendar. All eyes will be on whether the two debutants and Tilak's leadership can spark the turnaround.