Leading his team to a 3-0 series whitewash against Zimbabwe was a "special feeling," according to India captain Shreyas Iyer, who also praised the team's youth for their brave approach and strong energy levels during the brief tour.
In the third and final T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, the visitors secured a crisp 35-run victory, marking Iyer's first series triumph as India's T20I captain following series losses in Ireland and England.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 81, Ishan Kishan’s 29, Shreyas Iyer’s 27, and Rinku Singh’s 25 took India to 192/5 in 20 overs. In response, despite Ryan Burl’s 54*, Zimbabwe only managed 157/7 in 20 overs and lost the game by 35 runs and the series 0-3.
"As we saw, they are fearless. They are a young bunch of players who have been showing tremendous energy on the field and intent, especially when you play back-to-back games. To have such energy is what I require as a captain and as a team, and they could deliver today as well in back-to-back games. So, yeah, a special feeling for me to win the series over here in Zimbabwe. Clinical, 3-0. So, it's going to be a special moment," Iyer said at the conclusion of the series.
Iyer downplayed the notion that he had more responsibility than his younger teammates, citing the high-level exposure players receive from competitions like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"I think if you see the record, I've played almost a similar number of matches compared to all of them, which is around 55 to 60. So, I mean, experience-wise, many players have tremendous experience because nowadays they play in the IPL as well.
So, they are special talents, and getting the best out of them is beneficial for the team as well. So, every time I step onto the field, I see to it that I make sure they are comfortable and relaxed because that's when you can get the best out of them," he noted.
Iyer acknowledged the contributions from all three departments and emphasized the value of remaining brave and consistent as the team faces upcoming obstacles.
In addition to Iyer guiding the team in the Asian Games T20 competition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, India's next white-ball assignment is to host the West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is. In September, India may play three T20Is against Afghanistan and tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series if all decks are cleared.
"Absolutely, it's very much required, especially as a captain, when you see boys stepping up, taking responsibility, and winning games for you. That's what you need going forward as well.
So, we have created momentum right now, and we must be consistent with our approach and attitude. It's going to be challenging going forward as well, but if we show the same amount of courage and calmness that we possess, I think it's going to be great for Indian cricket," he stated.
When asked about the key takeaways for the squad moving forward, Iyer reiterated the team's core philosophy of continuous improvement regardless of the match scenario.
"I think the standard that we set right from match one, if we keep levelling up, rather than worrying too much about the results, means all we need to do is think about going a notch above every time we step out onto the field. And that's the message we kept giving to all the players, saying that it doesn't matter what situation we are facing; it's important that we play to the best of our abilities and ensure that we take the team through," Iyer concluded.
(IANS inputs)
