Dublin: Wicket-keeper batsman Lorcan Tucker has been named Ireland’s new permanent T20I captain ahead of the two-match home series against India later this month.
Tucker, who has represented Ireland in 91 T20 matches since his debut in 2016, replaces veteran top-order batsman Paul Stirling in the role after the latter dropped out following their lackluster ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
With at least five first-team regulars without at least five first-team regulars, including Stirling, who is recovering from a calf injury, his appointment comes five days before Ireland face reigning world champions India in a two-match home series in Belfast on June 26.
As a result, the Ireland squad has a number of new faces including Reuben Wilson, Jay Moondra, Matt Hollard, Liam McCarthy and Gavin Hoey.
Tucker, who served as Stirling’s deputy at this year’s mega-event, said his “main goal” was to help the development of young players leading into the new cycle.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have some special moments, none more so than in the T20 format, and I know the younger group is waiting to create those same special moments for themselves,” Tucker said.
“We’ve been lucky to have time on our side in this format and I’m looking forward to the 2028 T20 World Cup, knowing that I’ll be giving those youngsters the chance to make this job and this team their own.”
The newly appointed Ireland captain also relished the opportunity to face defending champions India in his first job and expressed his determination to make an impact against the visitors, who he called “an absolute authority” in the format.
“India is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to T20 cricket,” Tucker said. “We are fortunate to be able to measure ourselves against them at the start of our new cycle and there will be no tougher challenge for our team than what they provide.
“Going out of the IPL, there will undoubtedly be players who want to make an impact on the international stage. Hopefully we can spoil some of the parties they might have planned and show that we’ve made an impact too.”
Ireland squad for T20 series against India
Ross Adair, Ben Kallitz, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matt Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jay Moondra, Harry Dektor, Tim Dektor, Lorcan Tucker (capt/week), Ruben Wilson.
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