Shreyas Iyer Cites IPL Grounds as Factor in Ireland Series Defeat
The Indian captain attributed his team's 0-2 T20I series loss in Ireland to challenges adapting from IPL's perfectly even grounds to the irregular dimensions of the Belfast venue.
Shreyas Iyer, leading India for the first time in T20Is, saw his side suffer a 0-2 series defeat in Ireland. The captain pointed to the stark contrast between the square-shaped, uneven outfields of the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast and the uniform IPL grounds. He admitted that Ireland's familiarity with their home venue gave them a decisive edge.
Iyer explained that setting fields and judging angles felt foreign due to the ground's peculiar shape. He noted that many Indian players have experience playing in England, which should ease their transition for the upcoming five-match series. The defeat marked an unwanted record for Iyer on his captaincy debut.