A dream start with the ball quickly turned into a nightmare for India on Friday as debutant T20I captain Shreyas Iyer endured a disappointing start to his tenure, with Ireland scripting a historic 34-run victory in Belfast. Reflecting on the upset, Iyer admitted India “lost execution” during the middle overs, allowing the hosts to recover from 36/3 and wrest control of the contest.
After reducing Ireland to 36/3 inside the powerplay, India allowed the hosts to rebuild through Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany, who guided them to 182/9. India, despite a blazing half-century from Abhishek Sharma, were bowled out for 148, handing Ireland their first-ever T20I victory over the Men in Blue.
‘We lost execution in the middle overs’: Shreyas Iyer
Reflecting on his first match as India’s T20I captain, Iyer said the bowlers executed their plans well early on but lost their discipline during the middle 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,” he said.
The skipper, however, credited the bowlers for pulling things back towards the end and felt India had restricted Ireland to a manageable total.
“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. Nonetheless, it’s a great experience over here. We got to play in these conditions, got a fair idea about the wicket,” he added.
Despite the disappointing result, Iyer insisted India would quickly move on and use the defeat as a learning experience ahead of Sunday’s series decider.
“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,” he said.
Special praise for Harshit Rana
Iyer also singled out pacer Harshit Rana, who marked his return from injury with figures of 3/24, while backing all-rounder Shivam Dube for delivering an important spell.
“Yes, certainly. They were getting help up front at the start, and Shivam has bowled crucial overs in the past. So I always back him. I’ve played with him in the domestic circuit as well. I know his strengths and weaknesses.
“And Harshit Rana, he bowled phenomenally. Coming out of an injury to perform at this level and showcase this sort of talent, it’s simply brilliant.”
The India captain said the defeat was a reminder that no international opponent can be underestimated.
“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. As 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. Never take any moment or situation lightly,” he said.
With India trailing 0-1 in the two-match series, Iyer said the team is already focused on bouncing back in the final T20I.
“Yes, looking forward to it,” he said.
India will have one final opportunity to level the series when they face Ireland in the second T20I at the same venue on Sunday.