Indian captain Shreyas Iyer played a stunning knock in the first T20I against West Indies, overcoming the challenges of fatigue and long-distance travel. He smashed his maiden T20I century to lift India to a blistering eight-wicket victory to help the side take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Iyer recently led India at the Asian Games, where India clinched a gold medal. Meanwhile, Iyer and other Indian players had faced a demanding journey back before joining the squad for the T20I series. Despite the physical toll and jet lag, India still managed to thump West Indies. Even Iyer chose to focus on the responsibility.
"After the exhausting travel, I didn't realise where I was, to be honest. Every day I need to wake up like this! Adapted quickly to the wicket to the condition, and I think bowling first helped us a lot. We just didn't look at (jet lag) as an excuse," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
"We saw the excitement of India vs West Indies in the ODIs and how amazing that was. But coming into T20Is, we know they are a destructive side. So for us, it's important that we stick to the process."
Iyer’s approach paid off spectacularly as he remained unbeaten on 102, guiding India comfortably across the finish line in 14.4 overs. Speaking on his knock, Iyer said he was thinking about scoring a century.
“Exultant, that’s the word I would use today. Honestly speaking, I was actually thinking about getting my first century and definitely want to say that dreams do come true."
India's dominant victory also gave the side an ideal start to the five-match series. And Iyer lauded the individual contribution that helps the side remain on top.
"Winning definitely tastes different. That’s what we keep talking about in the dressing room. If it is your day, you make sure you win the match for the team. Today it was me. Overall I think it was a comprehensive performance. If we continue with the same mindset, we will be one of the most destructive teams in T20."