‘Relaxed, positive vibes helped us’
Gujarat Titans’ Miller aggregates 347 runs in 13 matches so far
It will be no exaggeration to say that David Miller, nicknamed ‘Killer Miller’ once, had been on a voyage of rediscovering himself in IPL 2022. After mostly spending time in the dugout over the last couple of seasons, the seasoned South African batter has been revelling in the role of a finisher with his new franchise Gujarat Titans.
While a key factor behind the Titans’ extraordinary journey in their first season had been the team effort where almost everyone had put their hands up to play their bit, but the role of Miller and Rahul Tewatia had been extremely criticial in helping their team go over the line from improbable situations. Miller, whose aggregate of 347 runs in 13 matches so far may not exactly reveal the depth of his contribution, feels that a ‘bond’ with Tewatia had actually made his task easier.
‘Belief is critical’
Looking back at the way their campaign panned out so far, Miller shared with Gulf News in an exclusive interview about what made them tick. “Firstly, belief is extremely critical when you find yourself in such situations. Having played with Rahul earlier at Rajasthan Royals, we already had a bond and that has helped us during the current season.
“We struck a good partnership in our tournament opener against Lucknow Super Giants and that has only carried on. While it is important to take it deep, you also try to stay with the asking rate. Finding the balance in those situations is the key,” the 33-year-old left hander said.
As the Titans brace to travel to Kolkata to play the first Qualifier after their last league game on Friday, it seems a far cry from the time when Titans were being treated as a lightweight side after the mega auction with the batting line-up looking thinner compared to their bowling. Miller, in fact, was one of the few experienced overseas batters in the line-up and the team management had entrusted him with a specific role which saw him excelling.
“It has been great to contribute to the team’s success. The mood in the camp is very relaxed and positive, which has rubbed off on each and every player. I am happy that the Gujarat Titans placed faith in me and gave me the opportunity to produce results to the best of my abilities,” he said.