Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has said that even if India go on to win the upcoming T20I series in England, the defeat to Ireland cannot be brushed aside. He also launched a sharp attack on the people he believes are trying to protect the “decision maker” by shifting the blame onto India captain Shreyas Iyer instead of accepting accountability.

India’s tour of Ireland turned into a major setback, with the visitors losing the opening T20I in Belfast by 34 runs before suffering a one-run defeat in the second match. That result handed India their first bilateral T20I series loss since mid-2023 and raised serious questions around team selection, leadership and overall planning.

ALSO READ: Harmanpreet Kaur Admits India’s Disappointment Against Australia After ICC Tournament Exit

India now move on to England for a packed white-ball assignment, beginning with the first of five T20Is and three ODIs on July 1 at Chester-le-Street. The spotlight will remain firmly on the management after the surprise collapse in Ireland, especially with several young players left on the fringes.

Manoj Tiwary said: “India might go on to win the World Cup in South Africa. India might also win the T20I series against England. But what about the T20I series lost against Ireland? Who is going to be accountable for it? I told you to address the elephant in the room, but no one believed my words.”

Address the elephant in the room Asap 👍 #Ireland #T20I pic.twitter.com/vGnUMdukP8

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) June 28, 2026

He then added: “I know that PR agencies and friends of the so-called decision-maker will start pinpointing the blame on Shreyas Iyer.”

ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara Receives Prestigious MCC Honorary Life Membership at Lord’s

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also stayed on the sidelines throughout the Ireland series, as the team management stuck with the same opening combination. Many had expected the teenager to make his debut in what looked like a perfect opportunity to blood fresh talent. Tiwary questioned that call as well, saying India should have backed him from the first game instead of persisting with combinations that had already been tested. He also criticised the continued use of Washington Sundar in a part-time role that, in his view, has not delivered enough return.