Cricket Ireland has confirmed that Lorcan Tucker has been appointed the new permanent T20I captain and will lead a new-look squad into the two-match series against India in Belfast later this week. The 29-year-old has 159 caps for Ireland to date across all formats, having debuted in 2016 and has led the national side twice in a stand-in capacity at the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

"It's obviously a great privilege, and not one I thought would arrive when I started my career all those years ago," Tucker said on the sidelines of training. "There's a feeling of responsibility to the playing group and organisation to represent them well and also to all the other captains who came before me. I look back with admiration at all the captains that have led Ireland in the past and am proud to now join them.

"My approach to the captaincy is to lead from within and by example," he said. "I'd like to think I have good relationships with all the staff and players and can act with honesty and empathy. I feel like it's my job to bring the best out of them and give them the opportunity to do amazing things for themselves and us as a team. If I ask things of them, I'd want it to be clear that I'd asked those things of myself first.

"My main goal is to bring that next group of international cricketers through and into our system. I've been lucky to have some very special moments, none more so than in the T20 format, and I know there are a group of young men waiting to create those same special moments for themselves. We are fortunate to have time on our side in this format, and I'd love to be at that 2028 T20 World Cup knowing I'd given those lads the chance to make this job and this team their own."

Balancing his captaincy and top-order role is a "juggling act" he's looking forward to.

"It is tricky as a wicket-keeper, primarily, to manage the in-game affairs especially with the sixty second clock nowadays. No matter what kind of captain or player you are though, there will always be a juggling act of sorts. I suppose it is imperative that you've done all your preparation and looked after each of your departments beforehand to know that you can play freely and act decisively when it comes to it. Like I said, it's a privilege to be captain and with that comes the responsibility of having your house in order."

Tucker's first assignment as Ireland's full-time captain will be against reigning T20 champions India.

"India are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to T20 cricket. We are fortunate to be able to measure ourselves against them right at the start of our new cycle and there will be no tougher challenge for our group than what they will offer. Coming out of the IPL, there will undoubtedly be players who want to make an impact on the international scene. I hope that we can spoil a few of those parties they might have planned and show that we also are here to make an impact."

Paul Stirling, Tucker's predecessor, was unavailable for selection for the India series with a torn calf muscle. Mark Adair (rectus muscle tear), Josh Little (stress fracture) and Curtis Campher (hand fracture) were among the other big names ruled out due to injury.