‘We were a bit sloppy’: Iyer reflects on India’s bowling, fielding failures after 5th T20I defeat
New Delhi: Team India T20I captain admitted that his side could have done better after suffering a at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 1. He said that the side failed to build on the momentum generated by his partnership with Ishan Kishan.
“It was plausible honestly. We could have been better considering the start we got in the middle overs, the way Ishan and I, we created the momentum. And then from there on we lost back-to-back wickets. And then suddenly pressure on the new batsman,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.
The India skipper acknowledged that the pitch made batting difficult, with the ball seaming, gripping and occasionally skidding through. He further pointed out that he and Tilak Varma were dismissed in similar fashion while trying to cope with the difficult conditions.
“It wasn’t an easy wicket to play on, especially when the ball was seaming and holding a bit. And also skidding through at times. You must have seen a couple of like myself and Tilak, we got out in a similar fashion. So yeah, it was challenging especially of that hard length. But to get to 194, yeah, it was reasonable, I feel,” he said.
He also admitted that the Men in Blue fell short with the ball and in the field, describing the performance as an opportunity to adapt to the challenges of playing overseas.
“I think we still could have been better with our bowling and fielding. We were a bit sloppy. But great learning. I think coming overseas, coming to New Zealand, getting to play on such different occasions, different grounds. Yeah, great learning curve,” he added.
‘Wanted to experiment and also challenge ourselves a bit more’
When asked about using the final two T20Is to experiment and challenge the team, the Indian captain explained that the first three matches had helped India find their rhythm, while the remaining games provided an opportunity to test them.
“Absolutely, I think the first three games, absolutely it gave us, it steadied the rhythm for us. And then coming in the last two games, I feel we were in this position where we wanted to experiment and also challenge ourselves a bit more. And today was the right opportunity. And obviously we didn’t live up to it. But a great learning as I mentioned,” he said.
Looking ahead, Iyer said that the team would shift its focus to the upcoming ODI series before assessing areas that need improvement. He particularly stressed the need to work on the team’s fielding.
“I think right now I don’t want to think much about it because we’ve got ODIs to play. But boys are in high spirits. It’s definitely something, you know, when you come overseas, you are challenged by different aspects of the game. And the more you take the bull by the horns, the better it gets,” Iyer added.
The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will begin on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland.