The Ireland men’s team is ushering in a new era in T20 cricket.

Lorcan Tucker has taken over the captaincy from veteran Paul Stirling, and the team is in the process of creating a “new identity”. But Ireland could be put to the sword when it hosts reigning World T20 champion India for a two-match series from Friday.

All-rounder George Dockrell felt that the tough assignment would provide Ireland a clear idea of where it stands in the current landscape. “We probably do not play as much cricket as we would like. However, when we get the opportunity, we want to make the absolute best of it… whether it is testing ourselves against the best in the world or having new plans and approaches,” Dockrell said during a select media virtual interaction on Thursday.

“That is what we want as players; we want to be put under pressure. These matches will give us great feedback on where we are at and where we need to work on. Obviously, we are keen to get some wins as well.”

Dockrell, one of the more experienced campaigners in the side, is thrilled to watch how the latest chapter in the Ireland T20 story unfolds.

“It is always exciting when we play India; playing it in Ireland is quite special for us. We have some new faces; there is a bit of a new identity to the team. We are excited to test ourselves at the start of the cycle,” he added.

The 33-year-old backed new skipper Tucker to come good.

“He has been fantastic since he took over the reins. We have already had a taste of his style. He is very clear, he is very calm, and he is a very good thinker.”

Tucker will already have his thinking cap on!

(Watch India-Ireland first T20I live on Sony Sports Ten 1 & 5 SD & HD and Sony LIV).

Lorcan Tucker was on Monday (June 22, 2026) named the Ireland captain ahead of the two T20Is against India to be played on June 26 and 28.

Ireland also gave maiden call ups to pacers Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra for the two matches to be played at Belfast, as Ireland are without five preferred fast bowling options.

“Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra have received their first call-ups to the senior Ireland Men’s squad. Reuben Wilson is uncapped in T20I cricket – he made his Test debut last month against New Zealand,” Cricket Ireland said.

Apart from the five injured fast bowlers, Ireland will also be without their former skipper Paul Stirling, who stepped down as captain after this year’s T20 World Cup.

The list of injured players includes Mark Adair (rectus muscle tear), Stirling (torn calf muscle), Curtis Campher (hand fracture), Barry McCarthy (complete ACL tear), and Jordan Neill (shoulder and foot injury).

“My approach to the captaincy is to lead from within and by example. I’d like to think I have good relationships with all the staff and players and can act with honesty and empathy,” Tucker said on his appointment.

On the series against India, Tucker said, “India are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to T20 cricket. We are fortunate to be able to measure ourselves against them right at the start of our new cycle and there will be no tougher challenge for our group than what they will offer.” “Coming out of the IPL, there will undoubtedly be players who want to make an impact on the international scene. I hope that we can spoil a few of those parties they might have planned and show that we also are here to make an impact,” he added.

Squad:

Lorcan Tucker (c&wk), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny (wk), Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Reuben Wilson.