'This new Team India has a great mix of youth and experience', says Shastri ahead of Ireland tour
New Delhi, June 26
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes the new-look Indian side has the ideal blend of youth and experience ahead of the white-ball tour of England, expressing confidence that the team has the quality to excel in challenging conditions.
Speaking ahead of India's tour of England in 2026, Shastri expressed support for the young squad led by Shreyas Iyer in T20Is, hoping they make a strong impression.
"This new Team India has a great mix of youth and experience. Shreyas Iyer is a strong player in T20 cricket. It excites me to see him given the chance to lead the new Indian team. I look forward to some excellent performances from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, and all the other team members," Shastri told Sony Sports Network.
India's T20I squad will be captained by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma as the vice-captain. The squad includes promising youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Suryansh Shedge, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav, and teenage talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The ODI squad sees the return of senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. Kohli is back after missing the Afghanistan series due to a hamstring injury. Bumrah will lead a pace attack that includes Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Gurnoor Brar. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are named as the wicketkeeping options. Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar will handle the spin.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said the tour is an exciting chance for India's next generation to shine alongside established players.
"This Indian team for the England tour in 2026 is a fascinating mix of youth and experience. I'm especially eager to see how they perform on English soil. Shreyas Iyer, leading the team with Tilak Varma as vice-captain, creates a solid foundation. The real excitement comes from the young talents like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Both can be game-changers against any bowling attack. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan will be key in the middle order, while the bowling lineup of Prasidh Krishna, Ravi Bishnoi, and the rising Harshit Rana looks strong," Gavaskar said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Look, I appreciate Shastri's optimism, but I have a slightly different view. Shreyas Iyer is a class player, no doubt, but giving him the captaincy so quickly after his comeback from injury feels a bit rushed. We need to see how he handles pressure in English conditions. Also, where is Shubman Gill? He should be in the T20 squad. Still, hoping for the best. 🇮🇳
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at just 18? That is brilliant selection by the selectors. India is truly producing talent from the grassroots. And with Shastri and Gavaskar both backing this squad, I feel confident for the England tour. Sanju Samson needs to finally deliver on the big stage, though. 🏏
Slightly disappointed to see no Rinku Singh in the T20 squad. The man has been consistent in domestic and IPL. But I guess Tilak Varma being vice-captain shows the management is looking at long-term leadership. Bumrah leading the ODI attack is a great move. Let's hope Shreyas and the boys make us proud in England. 🤞
The bowling attack looks solid! Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh on English wickets could be lethal. And Kuldeep Yadav for spin? Perfect. But I am worried about the middle order in ODIs. With Kohli and Rohit back, we need Ishan Kishan to step up as a finisher. Shastri is right - this is a great mix, but execution on the field will matter. Exciting times ahead! 🏏🔥
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