ZIM vs IND: Shreyas Iyer backs India to emerge stronger after ‘rough patch’ in England
India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer believes the team’s disappointing tour of England and Ireland could prove to be an important learning experience and said the setbacks helped the players understand what it will take to succeed in overseas conditions ahead of the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
India arrive in Harare on the back of a winless white-ball tour of England and Irelandwhere Iyer endured a tough start to his tenure as T20I captain. While the results drew criticism, the captain said the experience brought the group closer together and will help the team in the long run.
“We had a rough patch in England but there were a lot of positives from that. We learned what we need to build as a team going forward, the presence of mind, awareness and adaptability we need once we step on the field,” Iyer said on the eve of the first T20I.
For Iyer, the immediate challenge is to adapt quickly to Zimbabwean conditions, with several members of the squad traveling the country for the first time.
“Some of us are playing here for the first time, so the faster we adapt, the better results we will get.”
The 31-year-old said the tough run in England and Ireland had strengthened the bond in the team, adding that the overseas engagement had given the players valuable exposure.
“We didn’t get the results but it brought the team closer together. We had a lot of discussions about how we will play as a unit going forward, especially now against Zimbabwe.”
“We’ve had three series outside India and it’s great exposure for us as a team because you don’t get that often. This is a tough phase and the quicker you get through it, the better you become as a team and the results will eventually come.”
After losing all six completed matches during the England and Ireland tour, Iyer said one of his biggest responsibilities as captain was to ensure the players were not weighed down by outside criticism.
“I don’t think they should be afraid of failure because when you have those thoughts in the back of your mind, then you’re playing for survival. When you don’t have that fear, you can bring out the best in yourself.
“We don’t have to think too much about what people outside are saying. We have to stay in the present. The more we play good cricket and play together as a unit, the better it will be for the team.”
India had little time to prepare after traveling straight from England with only one practice session before the series began, but Iyer said handling such situations was part of international cricket.
“It’s definitely very challenging. We arrived yesterday, today is training and tomorrow is the game. But it’s fun and if you perform well in those situations, you’ll definitely be happy with yourself.”
The captain also backed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to benefit from his difficult introduction to international cricket during the England tour.
“All the youngsters have certainly been practicing. There was a decent gap after the T20 series. So he had to correct where he went wrong. Personally, I don’t need much advice.”
Iyer had words of praise for Zimbabwe and warned against taking the hosts lightly.
“They have an amazing team and a good line-up. A couple of them have also played in the IPL, so they have huge experience.”
Reflecting on his own comeback from injury, Iyer said the rehabilitation period made him mentally stronger and helped him better deal with challenges.
“As an individual, it’s given me more confidence. When you get past the injury phase, it puts you in a very positive frame of mind. Whatever challenges you face on the field, you know how quickly you can overcome them.”
“There can be ups and downs, but the quicker you analyze and do what you want to do, the better it is for the team.”
India will open a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
22 Jul 2026 19:48 IST