'Just want to make an impression' - Lorcan Tucker geared up for India T20Is

A fit and confident Jasprit Bumrah will be leading India for the first time in T20Is during the three-match series against Ireland. Last year in June, India and Ireland squared off in two T20Is at Malahide, Dublin. The home side lost the series 2-0 but gave a good account of themselves. This time, they would hope to pull off an upset against a young Indian side.

Ireland's wicketkeeper-batter, Lorcan Tucker, had a quiet series last time against India, but has gained much more experience over the past few months and is raring to go against the 'Men in Blue'. The 26-year-old cited that Ireland have played a lot of cricket in recent times and that would bode well for them as they face a strong team like India. He is expecting strong support for India and mentioned that it is great for cricket in Ireland.

"We’ve had a lot of cricket this year. We’ve been very well prepped, especially in T20 cricket. We’ve come off a decent run there in Scotland where we managed to qualify for next year’s World Cup, so I think everyone’s feeling excited. We had two great games against India last summer and I think everyone’s really looking forward to the big build-up, and the exciting crowd. They’re going to come with that energy and it, going to be great," Tucker told Ireland Cricket ahead of the series.

“Malahide generates a special feeling – especially when a big team comes to town. We know India may have a good deal of support, but to have such a big crowd - it’s brilliant for cricket in Ireland," he added.

We know what it’s like when these big pressure games come around: Lorcan Tucker

Tucker stated that Ireland have the experience of facing India and playing big games in world events. He wanted his team to stay relaxed and play with confidence against the former T20 World Cup winners.

“The team are quite experienced with these bigger games. We’ve played in World Cups; we’ve played against India before. We know what it’s like when these big pressure games come around. They are the showpiece of the summer for fans in Ireland. We just want to make an impression, stay nice and relaxed and play with confidence. That’s our main motto going forward,” Tucker concluded.

Ireland recently sealed their place along with Scotland in the 2024 T20 World Cup after doing well in the European Region Qualifier last month. A notable performance against India will surely give the Irish side a lot of confidence going forward.