Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes Ishan Kishan will miss out in India’s playing for the first T20I against Ireland. Kishan has been in sublime form and there is no doubt that it would be hard for the team management to drop him from the playing XI.

Kishan scored 602 runs in 15 matches of IPL 2026 at an average of 40.13 and a strike rate of 182.42 and thus played a key role in taking SRH to the playoffs. Furthermore, the left-hander scored a magnificent knock of 125 runs in the second ODI against Afghanistan.

Moreover, Kishan scored 317 runs in nine matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 at a blistering strike rate of 193.29.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “I have a feeling Ishan Kishan might have to wait for his opportunity in this match because I just don’t see a place for him in the XI. Essentially, the team has to pick two out of Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube. Dube is almost certain to play, and Tilak Varma is also expected to feature. Ishan Kishan is in terrific form and has been batting brilliantly, but I feel he might just miss out on a place in tomorrow’s playing XI.”

Kaif backed Shreyas Iyer to bat at number four, whereas he picked Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube to bat number five and six, respectively.

Kaif concluded, “So, I feel that Shreyas Iyer will bat at No. 4 in this match. You need a right-handed batter in the middle order, and since he’s the captain, At No. 5, either Ishan Kishan or Tilak Varma should play. But because Tilak is the vice-captain, he gets the nod and will bat at No. 5. At No. 6, Shivam Dube comes in. He played in the World Cup and can also chip in with a couple of overs, so he’ll bat at No. 6. Axar Patel will bat at No. 7, while Harshit Rana slots in at No. 8.”

The first T20I between India and Ireland will be played at Belfast on Friday.