“You don’t just turn in and win.” Shreyas Iyer’s candid message after Ireland shock |: Cricket News:

Indian captain: Shreyas Iyer admitted his side let the game slip despite making a good start with the ball as Ireland stunned the reigning T20 world champions by 34 runs in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.Leading India for the first time as full-time T20I captain, Iyer felt the bowlers executed their plans well early on but failed to maintain the same discipline during the middle and death overs, allowing Ireland to recover from a precarious position. “I think in the beginning, the bowlers bowled well. They got lateral movement, and they got a couple of wickets as well. We made them directly on the ground, where we know that the dimensions are small. But then, yes, the bowlers, when we have to close the overs, they are good too. So I thought 140 was an amazing score considering the start we were chasing. But still, it was a great experience here. We had to play in these conditions, got a fair idea about the wicket, and yes, good start as a captain.After reducing Ireland to 36/3 in the Powerplay, India allowed Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany and George Dockrell to turn the innings around as the hosts eventually posted 182/9. Delany and Dockrell’s attack Prasidh Krishna in the death overs, including the 27-run over, proved decisive.Asked if India’s long break contributed to the defeat, Iyer admitted there was some rust but insisted the team will move on quickly and focus on the series decider.“Yeah, sure. We’re going to forget what happened. There’s definitely a lot to learn from this game and we’re going to come out in the next game all guns blazing.”The India skipper reserved special praise for Harshit Rana, who impressed with figures of 3/24 on his return from injury, while also highlighting the value of Shivam Dube’s contribution with the ball.“Yeah, sure. They’ve been asking for help up front to start with, and Shivam, he’s bowled important overs before. That’s why I always support him, and I also play with him in the domestic circuit. I know his strengths and weaknesses. And Harshit Rana, he bowled amazingly. To come out of an injury to perform at this level and show this kind of talent, it’s great. “India’s chase never gained momentum though Abhishek SharmaAn explosive 20-ball fifty, in which the visitors eventually bowled out for 148 as Ireland registered their first ever win over India in any format.Reflecting on the defeat, Iyer urged his teammates not to get complacent and stressed the importance of taking advantage whenever an opponent is under pressure.“I don’t think you can take anything for granted. You can’t win and win matches. You have to work hard and see that you are in that moment. As I mentioned earlier, you have to stay in the moment and see that when you have that opportunity to force the opponent, we have to do that.Despite the disappointing result in his first match as India’s permanent T20I captain, Iyer made it clear that the team is now focused on bouncing back.“Yeah, looking forward to it.”