Ryan Ten Doeschate opens up on Shreyas Iyer's captaincy after the series loss against England

The Indian team is currently facing its hardest time in cricket history. They lost against Ireland in the 2-match T20I series, and now they have also lost against England. On July 9, at Bristol, England, the hosts defeated India, the visitors, by 9 wickets. The Indian team somehow managed only 159 runs in 20 overs, despite Shreyas Iyer's incredible 80-run knock. In response, England chased the target in just 13.5 overs, with 9 wickets in hand.

With this loss, the Indian team also lost the series as well, despite one match remaining in the series. Shreyas Iyer, the newly appointed T20I skipper, is yet to wait for their maiden T20I victory as captain. After losing the series,   critics are constantly criticising his captaincy. 

However, Batting coach Ryan Ten Doeschate came down to support Iyer's captaincy despite two straight series losses. Doeschate believes that Iyer needs some time as captain. He is a phenomenal captain, as we all witnessed in the IPL. 

“When you’re coaching a team like India, you have to forward-plan. Surya was a fantastic leader, but if you weigh up where he is age-wise and you’re looking ahead to two years down the line with Australia, you have to make some really tough calls. The optics aren’t very good," ten Doeschate said 

Ten Doeschate affirmed that we need to give Iyer time to settle in his new role as T20I captain. Shreyas Iyer is the leading run scorer for the men in blue, scoring 190 runs in 4 innings, including 2 half-centuries. However, on the other side, the remaining Indian batters are constantly struggling, which has caused the Indian team to face two straight series defeats.

“We’ve got a different squad here with slightly different weapons. We also need to give Shreyas a little bit of time to grow into the role and for the players to adapt to his captaincy style. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone about things. He started really well, leading from the front with the bat, taking accountability and working tirelessly to make the improvements we’ve all been speaking about. I’m sure he’ll get his just rewards as his time as captain goes on," he added. 

The fifth & final T20I between India and England will be held at Southampton on July 11. Indian team is currently the No. 1-ranked side in the ICC T20I rankings. If India lose the last one, they will be dethroned by England.