RCB vs KKR, IPL 2022: We won't chicken out - Shreyas Iyer proud of KKR's fighting despite defeat
India Today
IPL 2022, RCB vs KKR: Shreyas Iyer said KKR won't chicken out of challenges after losing to RCB in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday. Despite scoring 128 at the DY Patil Stadium, KKR's bowlers did well to take the game into the last over.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer said he was proud of his team for the character they showed in a thriller against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. KKR lost by 3 wickets but Shreyas said he was happy with the character his bowlers showed in attempting to defend 128.
KKR were dismissed for 128 in 18.5 overs but made it difficult for RCB, who were reduced to 17 for 3 in 2.1 overs. Umesh Yadav dismissed Anuj Rawat and Virat Kohli, while Tim Southee removed Faf du Plessis to give the Knight Riders some hope.
Shreyas Iyer said it was an exciting game and lauded his team for their fighting spirit.
"I really found this game exciting. Before getting in, I spoke with my boys and told them that this game is going to define our character and attitude on the field no matter we defend or not. The way we fight it on the ground, that is really going to reflect our mentality in the next few games," Shreyas told the host broadcasters in the post-match presentation ceremony.
"I am really proud the way we played this game and took it till the last over. It was really tough at that moment because I wanted to get my best bowlers up there and get a few wickets early on but it didn't work out really well. Kudos to their batsmen, they played really well out in the middle.
"They took out the toughest phase as soon as possible. In the end, I decided to go with Venky because he's also got really good experience bowling at international level and you need to back them especially at the start of the tournament. It's really important they gain confidence as early as as possible and this was one of the best games to get that," Shreyas said.
Shreyas Iyer conceded the pitch was a "bit dicey". RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, at the toss, had called the pitch tacky and it was clear that run-scoring wasn't easy on the surface. KKR's ability to take the game deep despite a below-par total undoubtedly impressed the captain.
