IND vs IRE: "Surely More Good Things To Come": Rahul Tripathi, After Being Named In India Squad For Ireland

Rahul Tripathi, a right-handed batsman, earned his first national team call-up on Wednesday when he was chosen in the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming two-match series against Ireland, which begins on June 26.

Tripathi had not secured a berth in the squad for the series against South Africa after a strong IPL season with SunRisers Hyderabad, but he has now been picked in the team for the Ireland series.

It Is A Dream Come True For Me: Rahul Tripathi

Tripathi spoke to NDTV over the phone the day after receiving his call-up and discussed his feelings on being picked to the team.

“I am very happy and most importantly, it is a dream come true for me. Every cricketer, when he starts playing the game, aims to represent his country. Obviously, this is the biggest achievement of my life, to represent my country.

Surely, more good things to come and hopefully, there will be days when I am able to win games for my country. This is a proud moment for me,” Tripathi told NDTV.

When asked if he was sad that he was not picked in India’s team for the upcoming South Africa series, the batter said: “To be honest, I thought that I will get this opportunity but now I am happy that I have been given the opportunity now.

I knew if I keep performing, I’ll get the opportunity. I was not very disheartened. I knew if I keep performing, I’ll get the opportunity.”

Learnt A Lot From Brian Lara: Rahul Tripathi

The 31-year-old scored 413 runs at an average of 37.55 with a strike rate of 158.24 in 14 matches for SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022.

“I have always looked at the match that I am playing and the team I am representing, how I can make the team and how I can perform the best. I need to win the match for my country. It is a great opportunity for me. I want to enjoy this moment,” said the 31-year-old.

When asked about the time he spent with SRH batting mentor Brian Lara, Tripathi said: “I learnt a lot from him. It was a blessing for me, I had a great time. Definitely, all those chats and important tips really help in a game. Really enjoyed my time with him.”

Indian Team Announced For Ireland Tour

The All-India Senior Selection Committee announced the team for the series against Ireland on Wednesday, with Hardik Pandya as captain and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his deputy. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav have also been recalled, with Dinesh Karthik named as the specialist wicketkeeper for the two-match series.

India squad for the Ireland series: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

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