India continued their poor run of form in the UK and suffered their third consecutive defeat. After getting whitewashed against Ireland, India were hoping to defend a target of 191 against England in the 2nd T20I. But the home team scaled the chase to go 1-0 up. The series opener was washed out due to rain. India captain Shreyas Iyer broke his silence after yet another defeat and mentioned that the 17th over was the turning point of the game. England needed 49 runs off the last 24 balls. England scored 29 runs in the 17th over, bringing down the equation to 20 off 18 balls.
“I think we all know where it went away but I don’t want to pinpoint a particular player. I was like, okay he’s going to come back strong after that (no-ball). But the 17th over haunted us. But he’ll learn. I think it was a phenomenal score on this pitch with variable bounce. First 15 overs we were on top of the game but suddenly – credit to the way Jacob played. They analysed the dimensions of the ground and the wicket early,” Iyer said.
“He was bowling right outside off stump, and that was very well planned (Curran). He’s got that unflinching attitude where he’s fearless. The way he bats in the nets… something to learn out of him. I wasn’t anticipating him to be nervous. Absolutely, I’m always in high spirits and I know that this is the lowest you can go,” he added.
The last three T20Is are must-wins for India and the visitors won’t be able to win the series if they suffer another defeat. The third T20I of the series will be played on Tuesday (July 7) in Nottingham.
Forgettable start for Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer-led India have had a forgettable run in T20Is so far. India suffered their first-ever defeat against Ireland in Iyer’s first game as the captain. The Irish team completed a 2-0 rout of India by winning the second game.
India have already suffered a defeat against England. Iyer has yet to win a game as the India captain. He has enjoyed huge success as a captain in IPL, taking three teams to the finals. Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL 2024 trophy under his captaincy.