Harare, Jul 22: India captain ShreyasIyer wants his players to play fearless cricket and not be weighed down by criticism after the team’s disappointing run in England, saying the recent setbacks have only brought the squad closer ahead of the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe.
India arrive in Zimbabwe after enduring a winless white-ball tour of England and Ireland, but Iyer said the team has identified the areas it needs to improve on.
“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 opening T20I here.
The series in England and Ireland was also Iyer’s first assignment as captain.
The skipper, who is touring Zimbabwe for the first time, said the biggest challenge would be adjusting to the conditions in a short span of time.
“Some of us are playing here for the first time, so the quicker we adapt, the better results we will get.”
Iyer also urged the young members of the squad to play without the fear of failure despite recent scrutiny following India’s performances.
“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.”
The captain acknowledged the demanding schedule after India’s players travelled directly from England, with just one training session before the series opener.
“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.”
About The Author
