World champions’ curse strikes again as India suffer historic Ireland shock

 India’s T20 World Cup reign began with a shock 34-run defeat to Ireland in Belfast, continuing a bizarre trend of recent champions losing their first T20I post-victory. Ireland’s bowlers, including debutants, stifled India’s chase after a competitive 182. This historic win for Ireland marks a disappointing start for new Indian captain Shreyas Iyer and extends an unusual statistic for T20 World Cup holders. India’s T20 World Cup reign began with a shock 34-run defeat to Ireland in Belfast, continuing a bizarre trend of recent champions losing their first T20I post-victory. Ireland’s bowlers, including debutants, stifled India’s chase after a competitive 182. This historic win for Ireland marks a disappointing start for new Indian captain Shreyas Iyer and extends an unusual statistic for T20 World Cup holders.