• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 04/22/2024
• 0 Comments

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer expressed the difficulty of maintaining composure in the team’s one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In a high-stakes match, KKR posted an imposing total of 222 for six, but RCB’s response kept the match tense until their all-out for 221 on the final ball. Despite the pressure, Iyer was relieved by the two points secured by the victory.

Iyer’s Thoughts on the Match

Reflecting on the nail-biting encounter, Iyer noted the emotional toll such matches can take. “It takes a lot off your body and drains you out completely because you go through so many emotions. It’s tough to stay calm, but I’m elated. We got two points on the board, and that’s all that matters,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

He also highlighted the importance of players taking responsibility in high-pressure situations. “It’s extremely tough when the pressure is on. I feel that every individual should put their hands up and take responsibility,” he added.

Andre Russell’s all-round performance was pivotal in KKR’s victory. Russell’s bowling figures of 3/25 and a crucial 27 off 20 balls with the bat played a significant role in the win. Iyer praised Russell for his contributions, stating, “Russell did the job for us by picking up two wickets and completely changed the game in our favour. That is the kind of attitude needed in the team.”

Also read Shah Rukh Khan ‘s Encouraging Words After KKR’s Defeat

Mitchell Starc’s Final Over

While pacer Mitchell Starc nearly faltered in defending 21 runs off the final six balls, Iyer refrained from criticising him. Starc’s final over saw him concede three sixes to RCB’s Karn Sharma, bringing them close to an unlikely victory. Iyer acknowledged the pressure bowlers face in such situations, emphasising the need to stay calm and focused.

Man of the match, Andre Russell, spoke confidently about his bowling performance, stating, “I always back my bowling. Getting the ball at a crucial time, I knew that I had to come good, and thankfully it happened.” Russell’s strategic use of slower deliveries and his ability to control the game’s pace proved crucial in KKR’s victory.

This defeat marked RCB’s sixth consecutive loss in the tournament. RCB captain Faf du Plessis acknowledged the team’s desperate situation but emphasised their ongoing efforts to turn the tide. “We were desperate [to win]… 10/10 from an effort perspective. The way we put up the effort on the ground, the faces told the story. We’ve got an unbelievable fanbase, and we want them to have a smile on their face. We’ll have to continue putting in our efforts and try to change things around,” du Plessis said.