VVS Laxman and Shreyas Iyer (Source: AFP)
India finally had a reason to celebrate and smile as Shreyas Iyer guided the T20I team to a convincing 3-0 series victory against Zimbabwe on July 26.
The clean sweep came after India faced a difficult period in Ireland and England, where the side managed only one win in seven completed T20Is under the new captain.
The IND vs ZIM T20I series win also marked Shreyas Iyer’s first T20I series win as captain. After the Men in Blue completed the series win, interim coach VVS Laxman praised Iyer while speaking to the players in the dressing room.
Also Read: VVS Laxman Openly Speaks On Permanently Replacing Gautam Gambhir
VVS Laxman Credits Shreyas Iyer's Leadership After IND vs ZIM T20I Series Win
In a video released by BCCI, VVS Laxman reminded everyone that Shreyas Iyer's T20I captaincy had a challenging beginning, but he also appreciated the way he responded.
Laxman said that Iyer had a rough start as captain because India struggled during the tours of Ireland and England. However, he explained that the captain never allowed those defeats to affect his mindset.
According to VVS Laxman, Iyer remained positive from the moment he joined the squad before the Zimbabwe series.
"I would like to specially congratulate Shreyas because he had a rough start to his captaincy career but the way he came back, right from the first day when he joined us one day before the first game, he was very optimistic," Laxman said.
"It's a new group of players. We know that only four or five of those who were there in England joined us on this tour. But he was so confident and a lot of credit for this victory should be given to the captain, the way he encouraged each one of you," VVS Laxman added.
Shreyas Iyer Creates Significant Captaincy Record
It is important to mention that the win in the Zimbabwe series also helped Shreyas achieve a special captaincy milestone. He became the first Indian captain to lead the team to a 3-0 T20I whitewash over Zimbabwe in a series of three or more matches.
India dominated throughout the series. They won the opening match by seven wickets before registering a massive 90-run victory in the second T20I. The visitors then completed the clean sweep with a 35-run win in the final game.
Why Was the IND vs ZIM T20I Series Win Important For Shreyas Iyer?
The Zimbabwe tour came at the right time for Shreyas Iyer. Before the IND vs ZIM T20I series, Men in Blue had struggled badly in T20Is, losing six of their previous seven completed matches, while one game ended without a result.
The series victory not only gave Iyer his first success as India'S T20I captain but also must have restored belief within the squad. Taking a look at his overall T20I captaincy stats, Iyer has led India in 10 matches, winning 3 and losing 6. It is vital to note that the PBKS captain was appointed on June 6, 2026.
What Is Shreyas Iyer’s Next Assignment As T20I Captain?
India’s next T20I challenge will come in October when West Indies will travel to India for a white-ball series. The tour will include three ODIs and five T20Is. While Shubman Gill will captain the ODI side, Shreyas will continue leading the T20I team.
The home series will provide another important test for Iyer. After gaining confidence with the Zimbabwe victory, he will look to carry the winning momentum against West Indies.
Also Read: Delhi Capitals Join Hardik Pandya Trade Race To Offer 2 Big Indian Stars
