What Suryakumar Yadav told a journalist on India’s struggles under Shreyas Iyer

Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has backed the national team after its disappointing performances in Ireland. Despite being dropped from the squad, the senior batter expressed complete faith in the young players and newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer amid growing criticism from fans.

India, led by Shreyas Iyer, suffered a one-run defeat in the second T20I at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Sunday, June 28. While chasing 155, the Men in Blue finished on 153/9, handing Ireland a historic 2-0 series win and bringing India’s record 16-match bilateral T20I series winning streak to an end.

The Team Will Do Well – Suryakumar Yadav Backs Team India After Ireland Series Defeat

Sports Tak journalist Vikrant Gupta revealed during a live show that Suryakumar Yadav messaged him. The former captain Suryakumar Yadav said there was no need to panic and expressed complete faith in the young squad.

“Paaji yaar, koi nahi. Team accha karegi, apne ko ladkon pe poora bharosa hai. Phir woh muscle bhi banayenge, India ka flag bhi banayenge. Naya culture aur naye ideas ko adapt karne mein thode games lagenge, I feel.”

(Don’t worry. The team will do well. We have complete faith in the boys. They’ll come back stronger and make India proud. It will take a few games to adapt to the new culture and new ideas, I feel.)

🚨 Suryakumar Yadav message to Vikrant Gupta 🚨

“Don’t worry Paaji the team will do well, I have faith in our boys. It will take some time to embrace the new culture and new ideas”.

Respect for Suryakumar Yadav🫡pic.twitter.com/zBmsvELQng

— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) June 29, 2026

Suryakumar Yadav was recently removed as India’s T20I captain and left out of the squad despite leading the team to a title during the T20 World Cup 2026. The right-handed batter also had a disappointing IPL 2026 season with Mumbai Indians (MI).

Team India Endure First-Ever T20I Series Loss to Ireland

Ireland posted 154/8 from their 20 overs. Debutant Prince Yadav impressed with figures of 3/22, while Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube picked up two wickets each.

India’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma fell in the first over. Tilak Varma fought back with a 46-ball 55, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships. India eventually finished on 153/9, losing the match by one run.

The defeat sealed a historic 2-0 series win for Ireland. Before this tour, India had won all eight T20Is against Ireland. The hosts not only registered their first win over India in the format but also secured their first-ever T20I series victory against the Men in Blue.

The result also ended India’s remarkable 16-series winning streak in bilateral T20Is. It was India’s first T20I bilateral series defeat since the 2023 tour of the West Indies, where they lost the five-match series 3-2.

India to Tour England for Five-Match T20I Series After Ireland Setback

India will now turn their attention to the five-match T20I series against England, which begins on July 1 in Chester-le-Street. Shreyas Iyer’s side has little time to recover after the 2-0 series defeat in Ireland, with another challenging overseas assignment waiting.

Most of the squad that toured Ireland will continue for the England series. The team management must quickly regroup and rebuild confidence before facing an England side on home soil in conditions that are expected to test both the batters and bowlers.

India will also need to learn from the mistakes made in Ireland. The top-order collapses, lack of partnerships, and failure to finish close matches proved costly. Addressing those issues will be crucial if the Men in Blue hope to bounce back against England.