South African batsman David Miller has been a consistent feature in the IPL since 2012
One of the finest batsmen from South Africa, David Miller, was recruited by Kings XI Punjab in 2012 and remained with the team until 2019. He was also appointed captain of the side. In 2013, Miller scored the third-fastest century in the IPL, scoring 101 not out off just 38 balls in a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Mohali.
Killer Miller had a good run during those years. In 2013, Miller had a perfect time, scoring 418 runs from 12 matches at an average of almost 60 and a strike rate of 164.6 with one century, three half-centuries and the best of 101 not out. In 2014 as well, he scored 446 runs from 16 matches at an average of 44.60 and a strike rate of almost 150.
In IPL 2015, Miller was good for Kings XI Punjab again and scored 357 runs at an average of 32.45 and a strike rate of 134.21. His numbers began to decline post that, scoring 161 runs only in 2016 followed by 83 runs in 2017, and 74 runs in 2018. He was finally released by Kings XI Punjab in 2019 for he scored 213 runs in 10 matches.
The batsman was then picked up by Rajasthan Royals in 2020 and played just one match. Even in that game, he was dismissed for a duck and run out at the non-striker's end without facing a single delivery.
In the absence of Jofra Archer due to injury, an overseas spot opened up, and David Miller was given a go in 2021. He made a match-winning 43-ball 62 in his first appearance of IPL 2021, but the season also turned out to be poor as Miller scored only 124 runs in nine games.
Although Miller played another small but crucial knock against Kolkata Knight Riders a few matches later, remaining unbeaten on 24 to take the team to a six-wicket victory.
An ecstatic Miller after the win
This is what Miller had to say after the win.
"In T20 cricket, everything happens rather fast, it was a tactical decision (batting down the order), and came off well tonight. The key is to finish off games, I will not mind batting anywhere, just want to help the team win."
"We have a good bunch of guys and a great set-up, There was a lot of positive energy tonight. Today was a big win and we'll take confidence into the next game, hopefully get onto a nice little run. Was a nice wicket although the cutters were holding up a bit, I couldn't get bat on ball at the start. It was good to finish it off."
In 2022, the Gujarat Titans picked David Miller, and it turned out to be his best season. Miller scored 481 runs with a strike rate of 142.72 and helped Gujarat Titans win its first Indian Premier League title. In 2023, Miller's form dipped again, but he managed a decent 259 runs in 16 games with an average of 32.38. As of now, in the ongoing IPL season, Miller as so far played three games, scoring 44 runs with an average of 38.50.
