India, July 13 -- Shreyas Iyer's appointment as India's T20I captain appeared entirely logical. He had led Delhi Capitals to an IPL final, taken Kolkata Knight Riders to the title and then guided Punjab Kings into another final. Few contemporary Indian cricketers could present a comparable leadership resume. When the selectors needed a new captain following the T20 World Cup, Shreyas was described as the standout candidate.

Seven matches in the United Kingdom have complicated that judgment.

India lost both T20Is against Ireland in Belfast and were then beaten 4-0 by England, with the opening game of the five-match series abandoned after India had completed their innings. The world champions, therefore, finished the tour without a victor...