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ZIM vs IND 2026: India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer wants his teammates to learn from the defeats in England and Ireland, saying the setbacks have helped the players to understand what is needed to achieve success in overseas bilateral series. The Men in Blue will compete against Zimbabwe in a three-match series starting Thursday. India are winless since Iyer replaced Suryakumar Yadav as captain in the shortest format of the game. Ireland beat India 2-0 while England secured a 4-0 win over the visiting team. While critics slammed the players, Iyer feels the group has come closer and that it will help the team in the future.

“Our results were not good in England, but there were positives for us. We came to know about the dos and don’ts we need to build a team moving forward. What kind of awareness, mindset, and adaptability we need after stepping on the field,” Iyer said.

The challenge would be to adapt to the conditions in Zimbabwe quickly, with several players touring the country for the first time.

“Some of us will be playing here for the first time. The  quicker we adapt, the better results we will get.”

The 31-year-old highlighted the strong bond between the players after the two losses in Ireland and England.

“The results didn’t go in our favour, but the outcome has brought everyone closer. We have discussed our future course of action and how we are going to play as a group going forward, especially against Zimbabwe.”

“We had three series outside India, and it is a great exposure for the players because you don’t experience this often. This is a tough phase and the quicker you overcome it, the better you become as a squad, and the results will get better.”

India lost six T20Is during the UK tour, and Iyer mentioned that his biggest responsibility as a leader would be to ensure that players are not burdened by outside noise.

“Players shouldn’t fear failures because if you think negatively, then you play to save yourself. When you don’t fear, you can get the best out of yourself. There is no need to think about what people from outside are saying. Players should live in the present. The more we play as a team and stick together, the better it will be for the players.”

India travelled directly from England and had little time to prepare for the series, with just one practice session before the first match, but Iyer said it is part and parcel of international cricket.

“It is challenging. We just had one net session before the game. If you perform in such situations, you will be happy.”

The captain is backing the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played three matches in England. He failed to set the stage on fire. “All the youngsters have practised. There was a gap after the T20 series, and he had enough time to reflect on where he went wrong. I don’t have to give him advice.”

Iyer also praised Zimbabwe, warning his players not to take the host nation lightly. “They are a good team and have experienced players. A couple of them have been part of the IPL.”

Iyer said that his injury period strengthened him mentally and prepared him to face challenges.

“I have become more confident as a player. When you recover from an injury, it makes you positive mentally. You know how quickly you can overcome challenges. There are ups and downs, but the quicker you execute your plans, the better it is for the team.”

The three matches of the series are scheduled at the Harare Sports Club.