Ravichandran Ashwin believes India's 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland is a reality check for the team.
What happened?
India suffered a shocking loss, with their young batting unit struggling on seamer-friendly pitches.
Why it matters for Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin thinks the defeat will test the real value of India's batters at the international level.
The former India off-spinner said the kind of batting pitches seen in the IPL weren't available in the series.
He enjoyed the quality of cricket played and noted that most of India's batting line-up came straight from the IPL.
What comes next?
Ashwin added that challenging conditions are essential for the growth of young batters and will prepare them better for international cricket.
Ireland scripted one of the biggest upsets in their cricketing history by defeating India 2-0 in the two-match T20I series in Belfast.
The hosts made a dream start by winning the opening T20I by 34 runs after posting 182/9.
Despite a blistering half-century from Abhishek Sharma, India's batting collapsed under pressure.
Ireland's disciplined pace attack and clever use of conditions sealed a famous victory.
The second T20I proved to be an even tighter contest, with Ireland recovering from an early wobble to post 154/8.
Chasing 155, India were rocked in the very first over as debutant Jai Moondra dismissed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
Although Tilak Varma's fighting 55 kept India in the chase, Ireland held their nerve at the death to clinch a dramatic one-run victory.
Moondra was named Player of the Series for his match-winning performances.
On June 2024, India finished the series with a 2-0 loss, their first T20I series defeat since 2023.
Ashwin's comments came after the series, where he reflected on the challenges faced by India's batters.
The conditions in the series were a far cry from the batting-friendly surfaces seen in the IPL.
Ashwin noted that the IPL has improved India's batting line-up, but they will face difficulties when encountering pitches offering movement and assistance to bowlers.
The series was a historic win for Ireland, their first-ever bilateral T20I series victory over India.
It marked a significant upset in international cricket, with Ireland outplaying India in both matches.
The defeat will be a learning experience for India's young batters, who will look to adapt to challenging conditions in future series.
Ashwin's comments highlighted the importance of exposure to different conditions for India's batters.
The series was a closely contested one, with both teams giving their all in each match.
In the end, Ireland's discipline and clever use of conditions paid off, as they sealed a famous victory.
The win will be a confidence booster for Ireland, who will look to build on this momentum in future series.
Ashwin's reflections on the series will be valuable for India's batters, who will look to learn from their mistakes.
The series was a thrilling one, with plenty of twists and turns throughout.
In the end, Ireland emerged victorious, and India will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next series.