‘We All Know Where We Went Wrong’: Shreyas Iyer Minces No Words After India Lose Third Game Under His Captaincy

Manchester: India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted his team let the game slip away after a dominant position as England secured a four-wicket victory in the second T20I of the five-match series.

Batting first, India posted a competitive 190/7 after recovering from a slow start. The visitors appeared to be in control when England were reduced to 133/5 in the 16th over, needing another 58 runs for victory.

However, England batter Jacob Bethell turned the match around with a sensational counterattack. He smashed 29 runs in a single over from leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, shifting the momentum decisively in England’s favour before the hosts completed the chase with an over to spare.

Iyer reflects on turning point

Speaking after the match, Iyer acknowledged that India knew exactly where the game changed but refused to blame any individual player.

“I think we all know where it went away, but I don’t want to pinpoint any particular player. The way we were cruising until the 15th over, I think we were doing exceptionally well. And then suddenly the momentum shifted towards them, and from there on, I felt it was a cakewalk for them,” said Iyer.

Although he did not mention anyone by name, the comments appeared to reference Bishnoi’s costly 17th over, which included three sixes and two no-balls.

Bishnoi backed despite expensive spell

Former England captain Nasser Hussain specifically asked Iyer about Bishnoi’s performance during the post-match presentation. The India skipper, however, backed the young leg-spinner and emphasized the importance of learning from difficult moments.

“I think one no-ball, I felt he’ll come back stronger. Then the game got away in the 17th over… he’ll have to learn. It was a phenomenal score on this track. Tilak’s phenomenal 24 not out in the final over helped us. But we also have to give credit where it’s due. Watching Bethell, he definitely took on the bowlers,” Iyer added.

Unwanted record for Bishnoi

Bishnoi’s over entered the record books as one of the most expensive by an Indian bowler in men’s T20 internationals.

• 34 runs – Shivam Dube vs New Zealand (2020)
• 32 runs – Stuart Binny vs West Indies (2016)
• 29 runs – Ravi Bishnoi vs England (2026)

The leg-spinner overstepped three times during his spell, including a no-ball on the very first delivery of his bowling stint. England capitalized on the free-hit opportunities, and Bishnoi eventually finished with figures of 0/60 in his four overs.

Series moves to Trent Bridge

Despite the defeat, India will have an opportunity to level the series when they take on England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

With the series finely poised, Iyer and his team will be hoping to bounce back quickly and register their first victory under the new captain’s leadership.