Image Courtesy: ESPNcricinfo.com
David Miller, known for his aggressive batting and incredible bat speed, returned to being the “Killer-Miller” this season. Miller performed for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) till IPL 2019 and played some sensational innings for the side. Especially in IPL seasons 2013 and 2014, Miller scored 418 and 446 runs, respectively, displaying his ability to change the course of the match single-handledly. The year 2013 witnessed Miller’s rise to fame and make a name in the T20 format of the game.
However, From 2015, Miller couldn’t maintain his form and be consistent, which came in as a downfall for his career. In 2020, Rajasthan Royals bought Miller considering his abilities, but that didn’t come in handy for the side. In 2020 Miller was just picked once in the playing XI, whereas in 2021, he only scored 124 runs in 9 matches, with an average of 24.80.
IPL 2022 came out to be a fantastic year for the left-handed batters. Firstly, The newcomers Gujarat Titans bought Miller for INR 3 crore. Miller then came back in-form again to display the cricketing eternity his class. Nor did Miller consistently play an important cameo, but also he helped the team reach over the line in close matches. His match-winning innings of 94* versus Chennai Super Kings caught everyone awestruck. In the middle order, he showed immense responsibility for taking Gujarat Titans into the playoffs in the inaugural IPL season.
In this season, there hasn’t been a single innings in which Miller got dismissed for a single-digit mark. Miller’s record of being not out in 7 of the 14 innings shows his capability of taking the team over the line.
Here is Miller’s performance so far in TATA IPL 2022:
- 30 off 21 versus Chennai Super Kings
- 20* off 15 versus Lucknow Super Giants
- 6* off 4 versus Mumbai Indians
- 12 off 15 versus Punjab Kings
- 31* off 14 versus Royal Challengers Bangalore
- 94* off 51 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad
- 27 off 20 versus Kolkata Knight Riders
- 17 off 19 versus Chennai Super Kings
- 39* off 24 versus Rajasthan Royals
- 11 off 14 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad
- 19* off 14 versus Punjab Kings
- 26 off 24 versus Delhi Capitals
- 15* off 20 versus Lucknow Super Giants
- 34 off 25 versus Royal Challengers Bangalore
The cameos played by Miller at the end of the innings have come out in handy for the Gujarat Titans. Miller’s role in the playoffs will be very crucial. Additionally, his approach on the ground with Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan in the middle order would be interesting to watch in the tournament’s final stages.
