India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has urged his teammates to play fearless cricket and avoid being affected by outside criticism as the team looks to bounce back from a difficult run of results.
India enter the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after a challenging white-ball tour of England and Ireland, where they failed to secure a victory in seven matches.
Speaking ahead of the opening T20I, Iyer said the setbacks in England provided valuable lessons for the team and helped players identify areas that require improvement. He said the squad has focused on developing better awareness, adaptability and a stronger mindset while preparing for future challenges.
Iyer, who led India for the first time during the England and Ireland assignments, said the biggest challenge in Zimbabwe would be adjusting quickly to unfamiliar conditions. With several players visiting Zimbabwe for the first time, he stressed the importance of adapting early and building momentum during the series.
The Indian captain also advised young players in the squad not to fear failure, saying that excessive concern about criticism can affect performance. He said players should remain focused on the present, trust their abilities and work together as a unit rather than worrying about external opinions.
India’s hectic schedule has added to the challenge, with players arriving from England shortly before the Zimbabwe series and having limited preparation time. Iyer acknowledged the difficulty of travelling directly into competitive cricket but said performing well in such demanding situations can build confidence and strengthen the team.
Iyer praised Zimbabwe as a competitive side, highlighting the experience of some of their players who have featured in the Indian Premier League. He also reflected on his own return from injury, saying the rehabilitation process improved his confidence and mental strength. Regarding young players such as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Iyer said the exposure from previous matches would help them learn and improve as they continue their international journey.