‘You can’t just turn up and win’: Shreyas Iyer’s blunt message after Ireland shock

India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted his side let the game slip away despite getting off to an ideal start with the ball as Ireland stunned the reigning World T20 champions by 34 runs in the opening T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.Iyer, who was leading India for the first time as full-time T20I captain, felt that the bowlers executed their plans well in the early stages but failed to maintain the same discipline during the mid-overs and death overs, allowing Ireland to recover from a precarious position. “I think initially the bowlers played well. They got into the sides and got a couple of wickets as well. So we had a great start but in between we lost execution. We let them hit straight from the ground where we know the dimensions are quite small. But then, yeah, the bowlers when we had to shut down the overs were also great considering we got scored 140. But still, it’s a great experience here, we have to play in these conditions, we have a good idea of the goal and yes, a great start as 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 on Prasidh Krishna in the death overs, including 27 runs, proved decisive.Asked if India’s long layoff contributed to the defeat, Iyer acknowledged that rustiness had set in but insisted the team would move on quickly and focus on deciding the series.“Yes, for sure. We’ll forget what happened. We definitely have a lot to learn from this game and we’ll make sure we come out with all guns blazing in the next game.”The Indian skipper reserved special praise for Harshit Rana, who impressed with figures of 3/24 on his return from injury, while highlighting the value of Shivam Dube’s contribution with the ball.“Yes, sure. They were getting help up front early on and Shivam, he’s done some crucial turns in the past. So I always support him and I’ve played with him on the domestic circuit as well. I know his strengths and weaknesses. And Harshit Rana, he’s bowled phenomenally. Coming off injury, he’s shown this kind of great talent, it’s just great.”Despite Abhishek Sharma’s explosive fifty, India’s chase never got better. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 148 as Ireland recorded 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 capitalizing whenever the opposition is under pressure.“I think you can’t take anything for granted. You can’t just turn around and win games. You have to work hard and make sure you’re in that moment. Like I mentioned, you have to stay in the present and make sure that if you have an opportunity to squeeze an opponent, we have to do it. And yeah, never take any moment or situation lightly.”Despite the disappointing result in his first match as India’s permanent T20I captain, Iyer made it clear that the team is already focused on rebounding.“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.