Iyer warns India after shock defeat

Shreyas Iyer called on India to “not take anything for granted” after his first match as T20I captain ended in a stunning defeat to Ireland, who claimed their maiden men’s international win over India. On a lively Belfast surface with big square boundaries, India’s batters repeatedly miscued attempts to clear the field, while Ireland’s bowlers held disciplined lengths.

India had Ireland reeling at 51 for 4 before Gareth Delany and Lorcan Tucker’s 64‑run stand flipped the contest. Three dropped catches and inconsistent middle‑overs bowling compounded India’s problems, allowing Ireland to target the shorter straight boundaries. Iyer praised the early spells from Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana but admitted India lost control as the innings progressed.

Ireland captain Tucker said India’s new‑ball pressure “felt like a Test match” before his side capitalised later. Iyer urged his team to learn quickly and “come out all guns blazing” in the next game.