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India National Cricket Team captain Shreyas Iyer has admitted that the team is feeling the pressure of the 2026 Asian Games gold-medal expectations. However, Shreyas Iyer is not worried about the heavy rain in Japan ahead of their quarterfinal against Afghanistan at Nisshin on Monday.
Rain has already disturbed India’s preparation. Even their recent T20I against Japan was reduced to five overs, which India won by two runs, while their practice session the previous day was also affected. Another heavy downpour hit India’s training at Karogi Athletic Park. Amid this, Ravi Shastri sends warning to those targeting Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli.
Shreyas Iyer not worried about rain ahead of Asian Games 2026 clash
Shreyas Iyer said that the India National Cricket Team must remain mentally prepared for any situation. The captain feels weather and pitch conditions are secondary, as he stressed that playing the match and adapting quickly should be the main focus.
Iyer stated, as quoted by the Times of India, "We have decided that we are a bunch of professionals. And such hurdles will keep coming. And mentally, we have to be prepared, irrespective of whatever the situation is going to be."
"So, we got a decent warm-up and a little practice of knocking. And tomorrow, we will try to adapt as soon as possible to the wicket. We will see how the weather is. But that is secondary. The primary importance is to come and play the match."
Can’t take any team lightly: Shreyas Iyer’s warning to India
India recently defeated Afghanistan in the T20I series 3-0 in New Delhi, but Iyer does not want his team to become overconfident. He believes no side can be taken lightly at the Asian Games 2026, especially because the conditions in Japan can be difficult and unpredictable.
Shreyas Iyer added, “We can’t take any team in the Asian Games lightly. Not just Afghanistan, any team in the Asian Games, like Japan, gave us very good competition. Because the wicket here cannot be set to a particular standard. But as I said earlier, it is very important to adapt."
"It will be challenging and difficult for every team. So, whichever team plays well [they will win], we will definitely go into the match with that mindset.” Amid this, Sunil Gavaskar reveals harsh reality of being India’s Chief Selector amid Ajit Agarkar episode.
India feeling pressure for gold
Shreyas Iyer admitted that there is pressure on the India National Cricket Team to finish with the gold medal. However, he sees it as positive pressure that can motivate the players to perform better.
The Indian captain wants the team to focus on its performance instead of thinking too much about the final result.
Iyer further added, “See, when you represent India, there are always expectations that you have to finish at the top. And that is good pressure. When there are expectations, you want to deliver. But at the same time, I feel that we should not think much about the outcome. And we have set a standard as a team. We keep trying to transcend that standard in every match.”
Iyer disappointed over missing Anahat Singh’s game
He revealed that the Indian team wanted to watch teenage squash star Anahat Singh in action on Sunday. However, they could not attend the match because of their practice schedule.
Despite missing the opportunity, Iyer said the entire team supports every Indian athlete competing at the Asian Games 2026 and wants India to win as many gold medals as possible.
Interestingly, rain could play a spoiler in the quarterfinal. If the match is washed out, India will qualify for the semifinals because of its better ranking in the ICC T20I Rankings.
