Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has defended T20I captain Shreyas Iyer after India’s consecutive series defeats in the format. Ten Doeschate said the team management is focusing on long-term planning ahead of future ICC tournaments despite recent disappointing results.
Team India lost to England by nine wickets in the fourth T20I at the County Ground in Bristol on Thursday, July 9. The defeat gave England an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and marked the first time India have suffered consecutive T20I series defeats since 2019 after a 2-0 loss to Ireland.
You have to plan ahead – Ryan ten Doeschate defends Shreyas Iyer
Ryan ten Doeschate defends Shreyas Iyer after India suffer consecutive T20 series defeats. The assistant coach said the management made Suryakumar Yadav the captain to build the squad for the 2028 T20 World Cup and asked fans to look at the bigger picture.
“When you are in a position to manage or even coach a team like India, you have to plan ahead. Surya was a brilliant leader, but if you look at his position in terms of age and you are looking at two years ahead with Australia, you have to take some very difficult decisions.”
“There will be a million opinions about it. The immediate reaction to changing a new captain, then losing two games against Ireland and going 3-0 down in the series in England… I think its chances are not very good.”
“I also think it’s important to look at things holistically. Hardik and Jasprit make a big difference to the team. We have a different team here with slightly different weapons.”
We need to give Shreyas some time – Ryan ten Doeschate
Ryan ten Doeschate said that the team management is happy with the way Shreyas Iyer has handled the captaincy despite the recent defeat. He said that the absence of key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah has also affected the balance of the team.
“We need to give Shreyas some time to grow into the role and also the players to adapt to his captaincy style. I think he has started really well, leading from the front with the bat.”
“For someone who hasn’t been a part of that successful team, for him to come on board and score the way he’s done is impressive. Even in very difficult circumstances, he’s still speaking up, taking accountability, and working tirelessly to make the improvements we’ve all been talking about. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone about things so far, and I’m sure his time as captain will be great.” He will be rewarded appropriately.”
Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten inning of 80 runs proved England’s victory over the series.
After winning the toss and batting first, India scored 158/7 runs in 20 overs. Shreyas Iyer, leading the batting, scored unbeaten 80 runs in 49 balls with the help of four fours and five sixes. Shivam Dubey was the only other Indian batsman to cross 20, scoring 22 runs from 23 balls.
England achieved the target of 159 runs in just 13.5 overs and took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Harry Brook remained unbeaten on 79 off 35 balls, while Phil Salt remained unbeaten on 59 off 42 balls. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Jos Buttler early, but England completed the chase with 37 balls remaining.
Shreyas Iyer becomes the first Indian captain to lose five consecutive T20 matches After the defeat in the England series, Team India made nine unwanted records.