“Not every wicket is an IPL wicket”. Ashwin gives a reality check after India’s T20I series thrashing Cricket News:

India suffered a shock 2-0 T20I series defeat in Ireland, marking the first time they have lost a bilateral T20I series against an Irish side. After dominating the IPL on batting-friendly surfaces, India’s young batting unit found the seamer-friendly pitches difficult, struggling to adapt as Ireland beat them in two matches.Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the defeat was a reality check rather than a surprise. According to him, the Indian batters are used to the “24-carat” batting tracks of the IPL, where it is easier to make a stroke, and they are likely to face problems whenever they encounter challenging conditions in international cricket.“The kind of 24-carat batting pitches that we see in the IPL are not here, and I am really enjoying the quality of cricket that is being played,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.“Most of this Indian batting line-up is straight from the IPL. Their true value at the international level will only be tested when they play on wickets that are not real batting surfaces. The batting line-up has undoubtedly improved because of the IPL, but when they find pitches that offer movement and help to the bowlers, they will face difficulties.” – added Ashwin.Ashwin added that challenging conditions are essential for the growth of young batters and will ultimately prepare them better for international cricket, where every surface is not designed for high-scoring matches.

Ireland beat India for the first time

Ireland scripted one of the biggest upsets in their cricketing history by beating reigning T20 world champions India 2-0 in the two-match T20I series in Belfast. This was Ireland’s first ever bilateral T20I series win against India, their first win against India in any format, and India’s first T20I series defeat since 2023.The hosts made a dream start by winning the opening T20I by 34 runs after posting 182/9. Despite a blistering half-century from Abhishek Sharma, India’s batting crumbled under pressure as Ireland’s disciplined pace attack and smart use of the conditions sealed a famous victory.The second T20I proved to be a tighter contest. Ireland recovered from an early toss to post 154/8, thanks to a composed half-century from Harry Tector and valuable contributions from Ben Calitz. Chasing 155, India were rocked in the first over when debutant Jai Moondra dismissed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma before dismissing captain Shreyas Iyer. Although Tilak Varma’s fighting 55 kept India in the chase, Ireland held their nerve at the death to secure a dramatic win and complete a historic 2-0 whitewash. Moondra was named Player of the Series for his match-winning performances.