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, saying the setbacks have 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 Ireland, where Iyer endured a difficult start to his stint as T20I captain. While the results drew criticism, the skipper said the experience had brought the group closer together and would help the team in the long run.

“We had a rough patch in England, but there were a lot of positives out of that. We got to know what we have to build as a team going forward, what kind of presence of mind, awareness and adaptability we need once we step onto the field,” Iyer said on the eve of the first T20I.

For Iyer, the immediate challenge is adapting quickly to Zimbabwean conditions, with several members of the squad touring the country for the first time.

“Some of us are playing here for the first time, so the quicker we adapt, the better results we will get.”

The 31-year-old said the difficult run in England and Ireland had strengthened the bond within the squad, adding that the overseas assignments had given the players valuable exposure.

“The results didn’t go our way, but that has brought the team closer to each other. We’ve been having a lot of discussions about how we’re going to play as a unit going forward, especially against Zimbabwe right now.

“We’ve had three series outside India, and it’s a great exposure for us as a team because you don’t get this often. This is a challenging phase, and the quicker you overcome it, the better you become as a team and the results will eventually follow.”

Having lost all six completed matches during the England and Ireland tour, Iyer said one of his biggest responsibilities as captain was to ensure the players did not become burdened by outside criticism.

“I don’t think they should fear failure because when you have such thoughts at the back of your mind, then you play to save yourself. When you don’t have that fear, you can get the best out of yourself.

“We don’t have to think much about what people are saying outside. 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 travelling directly from England, with just one training session before the series opener, but Iyer said coping with such situations is part of international cricket.

“It is definitely very challenging. We came yesterday, today is practice and tomorrow is the match. But it is fun, and if you perform well in these situations, you will 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 definitely practised. There was a decent gap after the T20 series. So he must have rectified where he went wrong. Personally, I don’t have to give much advice.”

Iyer also had words of praise for Zimbabwe, warning against taking the hosts lightly.

“They have an amazing team and a good lineup. A couple of them have also played in the IPL, so they carry immense experience.”

Reflecting on his own return from injury, Iyer said the rehabilitation period had strengthened him mentally and helped him deal better with challenges.

“It has made me more confident as an individual. When you overcome the injury phase, mentally it makes you very positive. 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 analyse and execute what you want to do, the better it is for the team.”

India will open the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

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