'Not Embarrassing, But...': Shreyas Iyer's Bold Take On India's 'Depressing' T20I Series Defeat Against Ireland

India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that the team’s recent series defeat to Ireland was a disappointing experience, while giving full credit to the hosts for their outstanding performance. Ireland stunned India by winning the two-match T20I series 2-0, securing their first-ever international series victory over the Men in Blue. The historic result came under Iyer’s first assignment as India’s full-time T20I captain.

Following the Ireland tour, Team India travelled to England for a five-match T20I series, which begins on July 1. Speaking to the media after India’s training session ahead of the opening match, Iyer reflected on the setback and acknowledged that Ireland were the better side throughout the series.

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The Indian skipper said the defeat was not embarrassing but certainly depressing because the team had not expected Ireland to perform at such a high level. He admitted that the hosts outplayed India in every department and adapted much better to the conditions and ground dimensions.

Iyer praised Ireland for their smart planning and disciplined execution, saying the experience served as a valuable lesson for the Indian team. He added that India learned several important things from the series and would look to apply those lessons as they begin a fresh challenge against England.

Having endured a difficult start to his captaincy, Iyer will now be aiming to guide India back to winning ways in the upcoming five-match T20I series.

“It wasn't embarrassing, but it was depressing for us, because we definitely didn't expect Ireland to play that well,” Iyer said in pre match conference.

“They outplayed us in every department, they had brilliant ideas about the dimensions of the ground, and we fell short in terms of analysing and planning the ground and the dimensions, and how the wicket would be played.”

“Credit to them, but we learnt a lot from that series. This is a completely new chapter for us coming in here.”

"A couple of us have played in England before, and we know the conditions, we know the ideas, we know the dimensions over here. So, looking forward for an intense and challenging series” added Iyer.