Harare: India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has urged his teammates to play fearless cricket despite recent setbacks, saying the disappointing tour of England and Ireland has helped the team identify the areas it needs to improve going forward.
India head into the T20I series against Zimbabwe after a winless white ball tour of England and Ireland, where the team endured a difficult run of results. With India currently on a seven match losing streak in T20 internationals, the upcoming series assumes added significance.
Speaking ahead of the opening match, Iyer said the challenging tour had provided valuable lessons and helped the team understand the qualities required to succeed at the highest level.
He said the experience highlighted the importance of presence of mind, awareness and adaptability on the field, adding that the team now has a clearer understanding of what it must build as a unit for the future.
The Zimbabwe series is also a new challenge for several members of the squad, with Iyer noting that many players are touring the country for the first time. He said adapting quickly to local conditions would be crucial to achieving positive results.
The Indian captain also had a message for the younger players, encouraging them to play without worrying about failure or outside criticism. According to Iyer, fear of failure often prevents players from expressing themselves freely, while confidence allows them to perform to their full potential.
He urged the squad to remain focused on the present rather than external opinions, stressing that strong performances and unity within the team would ultimately produce better results.
The Zimbabwe series marks another important test for Iyer, who is leading the side after taking charge during the England and Ireland tour and will be aiming to guide India back to winning ways.
