David Miller is a pivotal presence in the middle order for the Gujarat Titans and in our title-winning campaign last year, his contributions were invaluable. Not to forget, one of his best knocks of TATA IPL 2022 came against Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 1 and he contributed a crucial cameo as well in the final against the same team. 

Ahead of our next clash, our South African batter reflected on the journey so far in TATA IPL and how the burden of expectations impacts the team. 

“There’s always a certain expectation, let it be other people or players themselves. So far, so good,” David Miller said in the pre-match press conference. 

“There have been chats about last year, what we did well and what we didn’t, as long as we’re learning, we’re on the right track. Last year we found ways to win, we did that this year in a few games as well. We’re competing really well, the flow from last year moved into this year very well.” 

We will be playing in Jaipur for the first time in TATA IPL and Miller, who previously represented the Rajasthan Royals, reflected upon his memories with the city and the challenge they will pose on Friday. 

“I haven’t looked at the wicket, it’s a nice ground and a nice city. It’s going to be a good game. It was good competition against them last year and we had a good match last time (in Ahmedabad) as well. They’re a strong team and we have to bring out our A game,” he added. 

“This is another one of those games where we have to prepare well and make adjustments from the mistakes we made last time. We are doing a lot of good things, we have to keep up that momentum.” 

Talking about his personal development as a player, Miller said, “I’m playing spin a lot better now, mentally I’m in a better space. It is all about mentality more than technique in this game. You have to find a way to score runs and get off strike whenever needed. If I trust my preparations, it will reflect in my mindset.” 

Miller and Hardik Pandya have forged some special memories over the last one year with Gujarat Titans. The Proteas batter revealed the best qualities of Pandya as a skipper.

“It has been a really cool journey so far with Hardik Pandya. I have learnt a lot from him, he has a lot of authority and he is a born leader, people want to follow him. I think he has really matured personally and professionally over the last one year, you feel relaxed and motivated playing under him. He does a really good job in bringing the best out of players,” Miller explained.  

The Gujarat Titans will be in action on Friday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.