Shreyas Iyer has kicked off his India captaincy stint with four matches without a win as the Men in Blue suffered a four-wicket defeat against England in the second T20I of the five-match series at Old Trafford on Saturday (July 4).

India posted a competitive 190/7 in their 20 overs. Despite reducing England to a shaky start, with Arshdeep Singh making early inroads, the momentum completely shifted in the latter half of the chase.

The hosts overhauled the target with an over to spare, finishing at 191/6. Jacob Bethell led the way with an unbeaten 76 off 46 balls.

The match swung dramatically in the 17th over when Ravi Bishnoi leaked 29 runs. Shreyas, however, backed the leg-spinner to learn from this experience.

“I think we all know where it went away, but I don't want to pinpoint any particular player. The way we were cruising until the 15th over, I think we were doing exceptionally well. And then suddenly the momentum shifted towards them, and from there on, I felt it was a cakewalk for them.

“I think one, I was like, okay, he's going to come back strong after that. But again, in the 17th over, back to back, I think it haunted us a bit. But yeah, definitely he's got to learn out of that,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation.

The Indian skipper felt their score was enough but he gave credit to Bethell for playing a good knock.

“I think it was a phenomenal score on this wicket where there was a variable bounce for the bowlers to offer. And then Tilak getting crucial 20 of the last over, that steadied the ship for us going forward when we came in to bowl. And as I mentioned before, the first 15 overs, we were on top of the game. And then suddenly, credit where it's due, the way Jacob played, I think it was sensational to watch him. And he's got a calm demeanour as well, the way he paced his innings. He anticipated the loose balls, and that definitely took on the bowlers,” Iyer added.

He also reckoned England had assessed the conditions well and praised all-rounder Sam Curran for utilizing his plans to perfection.

“I think they analyzed the dimensions of the ground and also the wicket pretty early. And the way he was bowling in right areas, not giving room, or not giving any ball on the body of our left-handed batters. So, because our strength is basically to use the ball and play it on the leg side. So, the way he was not giving us room and bowling right outside off-stump, I think it was very well planned,” the captain remarked.

Talking about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 14 runs on his India debut, Iyer said: “I feel he's got that unflinching attitude where he's fearless, and the way he approaches his game, it's just sensational to watch him. And the way he bats in the nets, I think something to learn out of him, the way he plays his fearless cricket. So, I wasn't anticipating him to be nervous, honestly speaking, because he's played sensational cricket for the last couple of months and years. And we all know what he's got to offer as an individual. So, definitely backed him, and the way he stepped up to this occasion, it was pleasing to see.”

Shreyas Iyer signed off by saying that he remains in high spirits despite a string of losses in the ongoing tour of UK.

“Absolutely, I'm always on high spirits, and I know that this is the lowest you can go. And then the only way is to win from here,” he concluded.