India Tour Of Ireland 2026: Players Retained From The Previous Tour

With preparations intensifying for the upcoming T20 World Cup cycle, India are set to take on Ireland in a two-match T20I series in Belfast on June 26 and 28.

The headline decision from the squad announcement is the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as the new T20I captain. Rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, Iyer replaces Suryakumar Yadav, who has been completely omitted from India's T20 setup.

However, between the lines of captaincy, many players are making a comeback in this tour. Here is a list of players who will be part of the Ireland tour once again:

Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma's rapid rise in international cricket continues to gather momentum, and his appointment as vice-captain further underlines his growing importance within the squad. The left-hander has evolved into a dependable middle-order anchor, capable of stabilising innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate.

His IPL 2026 campaign with Mumbai Indians saw him score 359 runs, showcasing both consistency and maturity under pressure. More impressively, he heads into the Ireland tour in outstanding form after a prolific run in the Sri Lanka Tri-Nation series with India A, where he registered three consecutive half-centuries (67, 59, and 66). Tilak's composure and adaptability make him a key figure in India's batting setup.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson enters the Ireland tour as one of the most in-form players in world cricket. His performances in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 were nothing short of extraordinary, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.

Samson delivered match-winning innings against top opposition, including explosive knocks of 89 against New Zealand, 89 against England, and 97 against the West Indies. His ability to dominate high-quality bowling attacks under pressure has elevated his stature significantly. Carrying that momentum into IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings, Samson has cemented his position as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in T20 cricket.

Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube continues to play a crucial role as a power-hitting all-rounder in India's middle order. Known for his ability to take on spin, Dube has become a valuable asset, especially in the middle overs where acceleration is vital.

During the T20 World Cup, he delivered impactful cameos, most notably a blistering 26 off just 8 balls in a knockout clash against New Zealand. His aggressive approach can quickly shift momentum in India's favour. Dube also maintained his reputation in IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings, contributing crucial runs in high-pressure situations and reinforcing his importance in the squad.

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has re-established himself as one of India's most reliable bowling all-rounders. His performances in IPL 2026 for Gujarat Titans highlighted his dual ability, as he chipped in with key wickets and valuable runs, including multiple half-centuries.

Sundar's recent outing against Afghanistan further strengthened his case, where he delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 4/36 and an unbeaten 52. His ability to contribute across all phases of the game-powerplay overs, middle-order stability, and lower-order finishing-makes him an indispensable member of the team heading into Irish conditions.

Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi remains one of India's most dependable spin options in the T20 format, particularly valued for his control and economy. His performances in domestic cricket have been exceptional, especially in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 13.71 and an outstanding economy rate of 3.65.

Bishnoi's consistency carried into IPL 2026 with Rajasthan Royals, where he delivered tight spells and maintained pressure on opposition batters. As India's primary specialist spinner for the Ireland tour, his role will be crucial in controlling the middle overs and breaking partnerships.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh continues to lead India's pace attack in the shorter format, offering reliability and wicket-taking ability in key phases of the game. As a left-arm seamer, his variations and control make him particularly effective during both the powerplay and death overs.

Earlier this year, Arshdeep spearheaded the bowling unit during the T20I series against New Zealand, delivering consistent performances. He carried that form into IPL 2026 with Punjab Kings, where he regularly picked up crucial wickets. His experience and composure under pressure make him a vital component of India's bowling lineup.

Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his strong comeback and impressive recent form. Initially left out to manage his workload, he was drafted into the team on June 9, 2026, as a replacement for the rested Mohammed Siraj.

His selection was driven by a sensational performance against Afghanistan, where he claimed a five-wicket haul on a pace-friendly surface. That spell showcased his ability to generate bounce and trouble batters with his pace and accuracy. In Irish conditions, which often favour seamers, Prasidh could prove to be a decisive factor.