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 series against England, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing tour of Ireland.India entered the two-match T20I series against Ireland as favorites but suffered a shock 2-0 defeat. This is Iyer’s first stint as T20I captain, and he will now look to turn things around when India take on England in the opening match at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.Reflecting on the Ireland series, Iyer admitted the team did not get the start they wanted but believes there are many lessons to be learned going forward.“Not really the start we wanted, but a lot to learn, coming to new conditions, most of the players are playing for the first time in England and Ireland, so it’s a learning curve for them too. And we also have to build that camaraderie where each and everyone starts supporting and trusting each other and that only comes through the large number of games we play,” Iyer told BCCI.tv.
‘Want to have that fearless approach’
With the England series underway, Iyer wants his team to play fearless cricket and put the opposition under pressure.“I just like to threaten the opponents. I want to have an aggressive, fearless approach when I go on the field. I want my troops to rally in that mindset where the opponents are a little afraid of our personality, through our appearance on the field. And this is what I want everyone in the team to think about because it’s like a step that will win me. The thought I want to imbibe in each and every individual who represents the country and we want to challenge the opponents as well,” said Iyer.The 31-year-old also said that the team has embarked on a new journey despite India’s success in the previous T20 World Cup.“I think Gauti bhai mentioned in one of his interviews that we are world champions. This is a new paragraph that starts all over where I am the team leader and we start from zero again,” he said.
On the advice of Rohit and Surya
Iyer also spoke about the support he received from: 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, a decline in batting form and the selectors’ long-term plans resulted in a change in leadership.“Being with Rohit Sharma, it’s like you’re just chatting with your brother. He’s the kind of person who has helped me in my domestic career as well. That’s why it’s easy to be with him,” said Iyer.“And Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), again, is a similar character. I have played a lot of domestic cricket with him and before coming here he gave me inputs on what management can do, what players can do in this specific situation. So yes, definitely decent interaction and a lot to learn at the same time,” he said.
Heartfelt tribute to Iyer on Doctor’s Day
Iyer also paid tribute to the doctors who helped him recover from the serious injury he suffered during the 2025 Australia tour in Sydney. The injury left him with a ruptured spleen and internal injuries, requiring critical medical care.On Doctor’s Day, the Indian captain thanked the medical team that helped him return to cricket.“An injury makes you realize how quickly life can change. I am very grateful to the doctors and medical teams who helped me get back to health, strength and the sport I love,” said Iyer.“They stood with me during one of the most challenging phases of my life. Dedicating my second birthday to health care professionals is my tribute to the people who made my return possible,” he said.