Shreyas Iyer's T20I captaincy stint got off to a disappointing start.
Ireland secured a historic 34-run victory over India in the first T20I at Belfast on Friday (June 26), marking their first-ever international win against the Men in Blue in any cricket format.
Following the shocking upset, India’s newly-appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer issued a direct reality check to his squad, emphasizing that no team can "just turn up and win matches".
He acknowledged critical lapses in bowling execution during the middle overs where small ground dimensions were aggressively exploited by Irish batters.
The hosts bounced back dynamically after being reduced to 30/3 inside the powerplay. Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker hit a crucial 50 off 36 balls, while Gareth Delany smashed a quickfire 49 off 32 balls, driving their team to a competitive 182/9.
India's response collapsed completely despite a fiery half-century by opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored 50 runs off just 20 balls. The remainder of the batting order crumbled under pressure, leaving the visitors all out for 148 in 18.5 overs.
"I think initially, the bowlers were bowling well. They got lateral movement, and they got a couple of wickets as well. So we got a tremendous start, but in between, we lost execution. We made them hit straight down the ground, where we know that the dimensions are pretty small. But then, yeah, the bowlers, when we had to shut down the overs, they were brilliant as well. So I thought 140 would have been an amazing score considering the start that we got to chase. But nonetheless, it’s a great experience over here. We got to play in these conditions, got a fair idea about the wicket, and yeah, great start as a captain," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
Asked whether an extended break played a part in the defeat, Shreyas acknowledged there was rustiness but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back in the next game.
"Yes, definitely. We’re going to forget what’s happened. Definitely a lot to learn from this game and see to it that we come out in the next game all guns blazing."
The skipper praised pacer Harshit Rana for his phenomenal 3/24 return following an injury layoff, alongside Shivam Dube's disciplined 1/18 spell.
“Yes, certainly. They were getting help up front at the start, and Shivam, he has bowled crucial overs in the past. So I always back him, and I’ve played with him in the domestic circuit as well. I know his strengths and weaknesses. And Harshit Rana, he bowled phenomenal. Coming out of an injury to perform at this level and showcase this sort of talent, it’s simply brilliant,” he remarked.
In the end, Shreyas Iyer shared an important message to the team, stressing the importance of capitalising whenever the opposition is under pressure.
"I think you can’t take anything for granted. You can’t just turn up and win matches. You have to work hard and see to it that you’re in that moment. Like I mentioned earlier, you’ve got to stay in the present and see to it that if you’ve got that opportunity to squeeze the opponent, we’ve got to do that. And yeah, never take any moment or situation lightly," he concluded.