New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) World Champion India’s shocking 34-run defeat to Ireland in the opening T20I at Belfast has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many fans criticising the team’s approach, captain Shreyas Iyer’s tactics and batting, while others praised Ireland for scripting their first-ever T20I victory over India.

Ireland recovered from 36/3 to post 182/9 before bowling India out for 148 in 18.5 overs. Matthew Hollard and Matthew Humphreys claimed three wickets each as the hosts ended an eight-match losing streak against India in T20Is.

Many fans believed India entered the contest expecting an easy victory and paid the price for taking Ireland lightly. Reacting to the upset, one user wrote, “Result of being too casual.”

Sharing a similar opinion, another fan felt India had underestimated the hosts despite their recent improvement in international cricket. The user praised Ireland’s planning and execution while suggesting the visitors lacked the same intensity.

“That is why it is being said to never underestimate your opponent. The Indian team underestimated them. They thought they would win very easily, but kudos to Ireland, they came with preparation and took the win. Well played, Ireland, you deserved to win,” he wrote on X.

Shreyas Iyer, who is captaining the side for the first time in the T20I, also came on fire as fans questioned his bowling changes and his inability to make an impact with the bat during the chase. One user criticised his decision to continue with Prasidh Krishna, who conceded heavily in the death overs, while also pointing out that the captain managed only three runs.

“Poor Captaincy from Shreyas Iyer. Believing in Prasidh Krishna, who gave away 46 runs in two overs. Batting 3 runs in 7 balls while chasing 180+. When the Powerplay was going well, he just broke the momentum.”

Another fan focused on India’s bowling strategy, arguing that Harshit Rana, who finished with figures of 3/24, should have been held back for the death overs instead of completing three overs inside the Power-play. The user felt that the decision allowed Ireland to cash in against other bowlers late in the innings.

“Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy got brutally exposed today!! Why the hell would you complete 3 overs each of Harshit and Arshdeep in Powerplay itself!! Harshit is a proven death bowler with many variations; at least 2 overs should have been kept. Prasidh in death.”

The defeat also led many supporters to recall former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Several users argued that India’s middle order lacked the experience and game-changing ability that Suryakumar has often provided in pressure situations.

One fan posted, “SKY poor form because he is the 3rd all-time most run-scorer among Indian batters, and remember he earned captaincy by his performance and match-winning performances outside Asia. We have to respect our legends. This is not a genuine way to remove our match winners.”

Another echoed the sentiment, saying Suryakumar’s absence was evident during India’s unsuccessful chase.

“You only realise the value of a match-winner when he’s not there. Today was a reminder of what SKY brings to this Indian side. Some absences speak louder than any presence.”

Head coach Gautam Gambhir also came under fire from some fans following the defeat, with one user sarcastically questioning how a side featuring several established international players had suffered such a result.

“Such a great team crafted by Gautam Gambhir that got humiliated by Ireland.”

While criticism of India’s performance dominated the online discussion, many users also congratulated Ireland for producing a fearless batting display, executing their bowling plans effectively, and earning a historic victory that many felt was fully deserved.

Meanwhile, with the series on the line, Shreyas Iyer’s side would look to shut down the critics when they face Ireland in the 2nd T20i on Sunday.

–IANS

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