India vs Ireland 1st T20I 2026 predicted lineups with potential Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut at Belfast originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:India face Ireland in the first T20I at Belfast on June 26, 2026.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set for his senior debut under new captain Shreyas Iyer.Predicted lineups for both India and Ireland are explored ahead of the series opener.India vs Ireland 1st T20I: Possible XIs and Sooryavanshi's big momentWhen India takes on Ireland, the fixture could mark the long-awaited senior debut of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.Though India and Ireland haven't historically produced the most competitive cricket, this series carries weight thanks to two fresh storylines.First is Sooryavanshi's entry into the senior setup, and secondly, Shreyas Iyer stepping in as the new T20I captain, taking over from Suryakumar Yadav after his side lifted a record third T20 World Cup title earlier this year.Much of the buzz around Sooryavanshi's rise has centred on the idea of him opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, giving India two left-handers capable of taking bowling attacks apart from the very first delivery.MORE:Belfast's Titanic Quarter: The iconic landmark where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Team India will stay during Ireland tourSlotting in at number three is Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's World Cup triumph this year. Given how influential he was throughout that campaign, leaving him out feels almost impossible, even with someone like Ishan Kishan also enjoying a fantastic year across formats.As the direct like-for-like option for Suryakumar's old spot, Shreyas Iyer is expected to bat at number four, returning to T20I cricket after a three-year gap.Batting just after him will be his deputy, Tilak Varma, who recently led India A to tri-series glory in Sri Lanka.IndiapredictedXIvsIreland(1stT20I)Vaibhav SooryavanshiAbhishek SharmaSanju Samson (WK)Shreyas Iyer (C)Tilak Varma (VC)Shivam DubeSuryansh ShedgeWashington SundarAxar PatelArshdeep SinghHarshit RanaRavi BishnoiMORE:What is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's jersey number for India?IrelandpredictedXIvsIndia(1stT20I)With Paul Stirling absent, Ross Adair and Stephen Doheny take up the opening duties. Meanwhile, new full-time skipper Lorcan Tucker anchors the innings at three.Harry Tector remains Ireland's key middle-order batter, with George Dockrell and Gareth Delany coming next.The bowling unit leans heavily on uncapped talent, with teenage prospect Reuben Wilson tipped for a maiden T20I cap alongside an inexperienced seam group led by Liam McCarthy.Ross AdairStephen DohenyLorcan Tucker (C & WK)Harry TectorGeorge DockrellGareth DelanyTim TectorLiam McCarthyGavin Hoey / Matthew HumphreysReuben WilsonJai Moondra / Matthew HollardFor all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to ourFacebook,Instagram,andX (Twitter)pages.