Shreyas Iyer is still searching for his first win as India's T20I captain.
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has strongly defended newly-appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer following a series loss to England, urging the media and fans to show patience during a difficult transition phase.
On Thursday (July 9), the reigning T20 world champions suffered a nine-wicket thrashing in Bristol to concede an unassailable 0-3 lead to England in the five-T20I series.
This setback closely follows a shocking 0-2 whitewash against Ireland, piling pressure on Shreyas, who replaced Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I skipper despite not being part of the side’s triumphant World Cup campaign earlier this year.
However, Ten Doeschate explained that the captaincy switch from Suryakumar to Shreyas was part of forward-planning for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia. He acknowledged that while the "optics" aren’t very good due to immediate defeats, the team needs time to grow under Iyer's leadership.
“When you're managing or coaching a team like India, you have to plan ahead. Surya was a fantastic leader, but when you weigh up where he is age-wise and look two years ahead, you have to make some really tough calls,” Ten Doeschate said in the post-match press conference after the fourth T20I against England.
“There are going to be a million opinions about it and, after losing two games against Ireland and falling 3-0 behind in England, I understand that the optics don't look great. But it's important to look at things holistically,” he added.
The Dutchman highlighted that the squad is missing impact players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, who will significantly bolster the lineup upon their return.
“We've made a few changes to the squad. Hardik (Pandya) and Jasprit (Bumrah) make a big difference to the team, so we've got a different squad here with slightly different weapons. We also need to give Shreyas a bit of time to grow into the role and allow the players to adapt to his captaincy style,” Ten Doeschate stated.
Ryan ten Doeschate noted that taking over the captaincy after a World Cup win brings immediate pressure, but praised Shreyas Iyer for taking on the responsibility.
The Indian skipper has hit two half-centuries in the ongoing England tour so far, including an unbeaten knock of 80 from 49 balls in the penultimate T20I.
“I think he has started really well, leading from the front with the bat. For someone who wasn't part of that successful team to come in and score runs in difficult situations, while still speaking up, taking accountability and working tirelessly to improve, I've been really impressed by how he's gone about things.
“I'm sure he'll get his rewards as his tenure as captain progresses,” the assistant coach remarked.
India will look to salvage some pride when they face England in the fifth and final T20I in Southampton on Saturday (July 11).