‘Special feeling’: Shreyas Iyer hails fearless youngsters after maiden series win as India captain

India captain Shreyas Iyer described leading the side to a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe as a “special feeling” while praising the team’s youngsters for their fearless approach and energy throughout the tour.

After back-to-back series defeats in Ireland and England, Iyer registered his maiden T20I series victory as India’s captain as the visitors completed a clinical 35-run win in the third and final match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

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“As we saw, they are a fearless bunch of young players who have shown tremendous energy on the field and intent, especially while playing back-to-back games.

“To have that kind of energy is what I require as a captain, and they delivered once again. So, yeah, it’s a special feeling for me to win the series here in Zimbabwe. Clinical, 3-0. It’s going to be a special moment,” Iyer said after the match.

The skipper also dismissed suggestions that he carries significantly more responsibility than the younger members of the squad, pointing out that many of them have already gained valuable experience through the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“If you see the record, I’ve played almost a similar number of matches compared to all of them, around 55 to 60. Experience-wise, many players have tremendous exposure because they play in the IPL as well.

“They are special talents, and the more you get out of them, the more it benefits the team. Every time I step onto the field, I try to ensure they are comfortable and relaxed because that’s when you get the best out of them,” he added.

Reflecting on the series, Iyer said he was pleased to see players taking responsibility and contributing across departments, adding that India must carry the momentum into future assignments.

“As a captain, you want to see players stepping up, taking responsibility and winning games for the team. That’s what you need going forward as well.

“We have created momentum now, and it’s important that we remain consistent with our approach and attitude. There will be tougher challenges ahead, but if we maintain the same calmness and courage, it will be great for Indian cricket,” he said.

Asked about the team’s biggest takeaway from the Zimbabwe tour, Iyer stressed the importance of constant improvement rather than focusing solely on results.

“The standard we set from the first match is something we want to keep building on. Rather than worrying too much about the result, we just want to keep going a notch higher every time we step onto the field.

“That’s the message we’ve been giving all the players. Whatever the situation, it’s important to play to the best of our abilities and do everything we can to help the team,” he concluded.

India’s next white-ball assignment will see them host the West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is, before Iyer is expected to lead the side at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Subject to schedule confirmation, India could also tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series and face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series later this year.