Not sad at all: Shreyas Iyer accepts KKR's elimination from IPL 2022 with grace after narrow defeat

IPL 2022, KKR vs LSG: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer said he was not sad after a narrow defeat to Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday. Iyer described it as one of the best games he has ever played.

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer said he was not sad despite the team's exit from IPL 2022 after a 2-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in a nail-biting finish at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing 211, KKR came thrillingly close but failed to cross the line despite a classy half-century from Shreyas Iyer, a rapid 42 from Nitish Rana, and a 15-ball 40 from Rinku Singh and a cameo from Sunil Narine.

However, Shreyas said there was no sadness in the camp because he described it as one of the best games of cricket he has ever played. The defeat resulted in KKR's elimination from the playoffs race after finishing with 12 points from 14 matches.

"I'm not feeling sad at all because that was one of the best games of cricket I've ever played to be honest. The performance, the way we showed our character and attitude in this game, it was simply outstanding," Shreyas told Star Sports.

"I love the way Rinku got us to the end, but unfortunately couldn't time it when two balls were remaining. He was really sad. I was hoping that he could finish the game for us. He could have been the hero. Still, he played a fantastic knock and I'm really happy for him," he said.

The campaign ended in heartbreak for Kolkata Knight Riders but they have only themselves to blame. Shreyas Iyer smashed a rapid half-century in an unsuccessful chase and there were brilliant contributions from Nitish Rana (42), Rinku Singh (40) and Sam Billings (36).

However, right through the season, KKR made some bizarre decisions which included inexplicable changes in the batting order and selection blunders. Shreyas Iyer created a buzz when he revealed the team CEO was involved in selections before clarifying his comments.