Shreyas Iyer thanks VVS Laxman after India's Zimbabwe series sweep

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India’s T20I captain Shreyas Iyer drew inspiration from VVS Laxman’s guidance, while Laxman praised the Indian skipper’s positivity as the pair lauded each other’s efforts following India’s 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe.

Despite competing with a young squad that rested key figures including Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, the visiting side dominated the hosts throughout, sealing the series with a convincing 35-run victory in Sunday’s final match.

In a locker room video published by the BCCI, interim coach VVS Laxman highlighted Iyer’s strong leadership.

“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, referring to the 0-4 loss to England earlier this month, which was Iyer’s first as India’s T20 captain.

“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,” he added.

Iyer credits VVS Laxman for his coaching on the Zimbabwe tour

Iyer expressed his gratitude toward Laxman, who stepped in while full-time head coach Gautam Gambhir took a break following the UK tour before returning for August’s Test series in Sri Lanka.

“I think we were flawless, honestly speaking, throughout the series barring the catches that we dropped. It was a phenomenal effort by everyone in the team, including the support staff.

“Thank you VVS sir for motivating us and inspiring us. Each and every day when we stepped onto the field, I think everything that you mentioned was apt and we could relate to it. So, thank you so much,” he said.

Laxman is the head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and serves as interim coach on short tours as and when required. He was the coach for the short tour to Zimbabwe, which India won 3-0.

(With inputs from PTI)

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