New Delhi: Team India, under a new T20I captain Shreyas Iyerwill begin the next leg of their United Kingdom tour with a five-match T20I against England, hoping to bounce back from Ireland’s disappointing tour.India went into the two-match T20I against Ireland as favourites, but lost surprisingly 2-0. It was Iyer’s first stint as T20I captain, and he will now look to turn things around when India take on England in the opener at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.Reflecting on the Ireland series, Iyer admitted that the team was not where they wanted to be but believes there are many lessons to be learned going forward.“Of course, not the start we wanted, but a lot to learn, coming in new situations, many of the players are playing for the first time in England and Ireland, so it’s a learning process for them too. Also we have to build a bond where everyone starts supporting and trusting each other and this will only come through the number of matches we play,” said Iyer on BCCI.
‘I want to have that fearless approach’
With the England series now underway, Iyer wants his team to play fearless cricket and put the opposition on edge.“I just want to scare the opposition. I want to have a scary, fearless way when I go on the field. I want my soldiers to join that attitude when the opponents are afraid of our personality, and our appearance on the field. And this is what I want everyone in the team to think about because it is like a battle that I want to win in every field. I want to meet everyone who represents the country and I want us to challenge the opponents,” said Iyer.The 31-year-old also said that the team is embarking on a new journey despite India’s success in the international T20 tournament.“I think Gauti bhai mentioned in one of his interviews that we were world champions. This is a new chapter that starts where I am the team leader and we are starting from zero,” he said.
On the advice of Rohit and Surya
Iyer also spoke about the support he has received Rohit Sharma and former T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.Iyer replaced Suryakumar as India’s T20I captain after the latter led the team to another T20 World Cup title. However, the introduction of the fighting style and the long-term plans of the candidates led to a change in leadership.“Talking to Rohit Sharma, it’s like you’re talking to your brother. He’s the kind of person who’s helped me with my homework. So it’s always been easy to get along with him,” said Iyer.“So is Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), who is the same. I have played many domestic matches with him and before I came here he gave me an insight into how the management has been, how the players have been in this situation. So yes, proper communication and a lot to learn at the same time,” he said.
Iyer paid a heartfelt tribute on Doctor’s Day
Iyer also paid tribute to the doctors who helped him recover from the serious injury he suffered during the 2025 tour to Australia in Sydney. The injury left him with a ruptured gallbladder and internal damage, which required medical attention.On Doctor’s Day, the Indian skipper thanked the medical team that helped him return to cricket.“Injuries can make you realize how quickly life can change. I am very grateful to the doctors and medical teams who helped me get back to the health, strength and sports I love,” said Iyer.“They stood by me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Dedicating my second birthday to health professionals is a tribute to the people who got me back on my feet,” he said.
