IND vs IRE T20Is: Former Saurashtra player to coach India in Dravid and Laxman's absence

The Indian cricket team is all set for a three-match T20I series against Ireland starting August 18. Notably, head coach Rahul Dravid will be taking a break from his role as India's head coach, paving the way for a new coach for this assignment against the Irish. Earlier, VVS Laxman was expected to travel with the Indian team given that he is the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In case the Indian team's head coach takes a break, the head of the NCA fills in their absence. However, it later emerged that Laxman too will be missing out on the series against Ireland. 

3 things you need to know

• India will play a three-match T20I series against Ireland
• The first match of the series will take place on August 18
• Jasprit Bumrah has been named the captain of the Indian team

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Led Team India To Travel Without Any Head Coach For Ireland Series: Report

IND vs IRE T20Is: Sitanshu Kotak may take up the head coach's role

According to reports, Sitanshu Kotak, a former domestic cricketer from Saurashtra, will be taking on the responsibilities of head coach in the absence of Dravid and Laxman. Presently, Kotak holds the position of head coach for India A at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

VVS Laxman was initially slated to be the head coach for the Ireland series. However, he has been tasked with overseeing a high-performance training camp near Bengaluru, spanning three weeks. This commitment prevents Laxman from being available for the three T20Is against Ireland, set to begin on August 18.

In addition to Sitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule is said to be joining the team as the bowling coach, according to reports on various media platforms. Both Sitanshu and Sairaj have previously managed the Indian team during their tour of New Zealand with VVS Laxman as head coach. 

Also Read: 'Who’s Winning Tournaments': Two-time World Cup-winning Captain Takes Dig At Team India

IND vs IRE T20Is: Jasprit Bumrah will make his return

Despite the relatively short duration of the tour, consisting of only three T20Is, it holds significance. Notable players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma will showcase their talents on the field.

Team India (Senior Men) squad for T20I series against Ireland: Jasprit Bumrah (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan

Image: BCCI