India lose T20I series 4-0 to England; Shreyas Iyer's captaincy begins with five consecutive defeats

India's T20 cricket team suffered a 56-run defeat in the fifth and final T20I against England in Southampton on Saturday, completing a 4-0 series loss. The result also saw India lose their No. 1 ranking in T20Is to England.

Chasing a target of 258 for a consolation win, India needed a strong batting performance. Sanju Samson, recalled to the playing XI after missing three matches, provided early impetus with two sixes off Josh Tongue in the second over. However, he fell for 27 off Sam Curran. The rest of the batting line-up failed to build partnerships, and India were bowled out for 201 in 19.3 overs.

This series was Shreyas Iyer's first as full-time T20I captain, taking over from Suryakumar Yadav after India's T20 World Cup triumph. Including the two-match series against Ireland which India lost 0-2, Iyer has now overseen five consecutive defeats in his first six matches as captain.

England's batting dominated throughout the series, with aggressive strokeplay putting India under pressure. In the final match, England posted 257 for 6 in 20 overs, with contributions from Jos Buttler (68), Phil Salt (55), and Liam Livingstone (48).

India's bowling attack, missing key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi, struggled to contain the English batsmen. The fielding also let the team down, with dropped catches proving costly.

Speaking after the match, Iyer acknowledged the team's shortcomings. 'We were outplayed in all departments. We need to regroup and work on our skills. The start of a new era is always challenging, and we will learn from these defeats,' he said.

The series loss raises questions about India's depth in T20 cricket as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The team will now look to bounce back in the five-match ODI series starting on July 14.