India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted his side let the game slip despite making the ideal start with the ball as Ireland stunned the reigning T20 world champions by 34 runs in the opening 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 in the early stages but failed to maintain the same discipline during the middle and death overs, allowing Ireland to recover from a precarious position. “I think initially, the bowlers were bowling well. They got lateral movement, and they got a couple of wickets as well. So we got a tremendous start, but in between, we lost execution. We made them hit straight down the ground, where we know that the dimensions are pretty small. But then, yeah, the bowlers, when we had to shut down the overs, they were brilliant as well. So I thought 140 would have been an amazing score considering the start that we got to chase. But nonetheless, it’s a great experience over here. We got to play in these conditions, got a fair idea about the wicket, and yeah, great 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 assault on Prasidh Krishna in the death overs, including a 27-run over, proved decisive.Asked whether India’s long break had contributed to the defeat, Iyer acknowledged there was rust but insisted the team would quickly move on and focus on the series decider.“Yes, definitely. We’re going to forget what’s happened. Definitely a lot to learn from this game and see to it that we 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 in his return from injury, while also highlighting the value of Shivam Dube’s contribution with the ball.“Yes, certainly. They were getting help up front at the start, and Shivam, he has bowled crucial overs in the past. So I always back him, and I’ve played with him in the domestic circuit as well. I know his strengths and weaknesses. And Harshit Rana, he bowled phenomenal. Coming out of an injury to perform at this level and showcase this sort of talent, it’s simply brilliant.”India’s chase never gathered momentum despite Abhishek Sharma‘s explosive 20-ball fifty, with 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 become complacent and stressed the importance of capitalising whenever an opponent is under pressure.“I think you can’t take anything for granted. You can’t just turn up and win matches. You have to work hard and see to it that you’re in that moment. Like I mentioned earlier, you’ve got to stay in the present and see to it that if you’ve got that opportunity to squeeze the opponent, we’ve got to do that. 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 the team is already focused on bouncing back.“Yes, looking forward to it.”
