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Xtra Time Web Desk: Following a humiliating loss to the Punjab Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 season, Kolkata Knight Riders' captain, Shreyas Iyer, described the failure to defend a massive total of 261 runs as a poignant blow. However, Iyer emphasized that the defeat would serve as valuable lessons for the team as they progress through the tournament.

Iyer commended the stellar performance of KKR's openers, Philip Salt and Sunil Narine, whose aggressive batting laid the foundation for their imposing total of 261/6 in 20 overs. He lauded their "tremendous" display with the bat, particularly highlighting the 138-run partnership between Narine and Salt, which marked the eighth 100-plus opening stand for KKR in IPL history. Salt's impressive 75 off 37 deliveries and Narine's quickfire 71 off 32 balls, supported by Iyer's 28-run contribution and Venkatesh Iyer's lively 39-run cameo, set up a daunting target for the opposition.

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"The way the batters batted was tremendous. So much you ask of them and they delivered. Both teams played tremendously. You have to go back to the drawing board and see where you went wrong," Iyer said in a post-match presentation.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, Iyer expressed confidence in the team's ability to analyse their performance against PBKS and rectify any shortcomings identified during the match at Eden Gardens. Iyer labelled the star all-rounder Narine as the 'Most Valuable Player' of his team and said there is a lot to learn from the former West Indies player.

"Not defending hurts but it's a great lesson for the players. [Narine] Brilliant to see him go out and strike the ball. A lot to learn from him, he's the MVP of our team," he added.

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The clash between KKR and PBKS made headlines for breaking numerous records, as Punjab Kings achieved the unprecedented feat of successfully chasing down the highest total in T20 history with 8 balls to spare. The remarkable power-hitting display by Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh propelled PBKS to victory, leaving KKR grappling with the loss.