Picture Credit: IPL
David Miller is having a memorable season in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League. Playing for Gujarat Titans (GT), Miller has scored around 450 runs (449 to be precise) in 15 matches at an average of 64.14. He has also maintained a brilliant strike rate of 141.19 in IPL 2022. The Protean has won quite a few games for his team including the Qualifier 1 against Rajasthan Royals.
It is Miller’s best season in IPL as he previously starred in 2013 and 2014 with 418 and 446 runs, respectively. But since 2014, Miller has blown hot and cold with 2020 and 2021 being the worst IPL seasons wherein he scored 124 runs across 10 games. As a result, he went unsold in the first round of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. However, GT showed faith in the South African cricketer and it has paid dividends for the new franchise.
Miller also feels the backing he has got from the management throughout the season has helped him in improving his performance. He talked about the same in the pre-match press conference for IPL 2022 Final. Miller said that getting to feature in all games has been the difference this season.
“I feel like I am repeating myself. But one thing that changed this season, is that I am playing every game. The last four-five years in IPL… I had a bad season in 2016 and then haven’t really felt backed at all. That’s the nature of the IPL. There are so many overseas players and only four can play. I had to go back and work on my game. Although I felt really good playing for the domestic teams in South Africa, I was looking to find that good nick. That’s what happened this season,” he stated.
Playing regularly allows you to settle down: Miller
The 32-year-old further explained how playing regularly helps players to focus on performance rather than worrying about selection. “I have been playing all the games and that allows you to settle down. Which helps you not really worry about the selection, but win games. As you get older and mature, you do understand the pressure and how to deal with failures. What works for you as a player. What you need to do and what you don’t need to do,” added Miller.
