Rajasthan Royals (RR) batsman David Miller believes even though teams have been training really hard in the lead up to the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE, players will still take some time to get going in actual match scenarios during the tournament.
The IPL 2020 is for many cricketers their first competitive assignment after a prolonged break amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Royals and other sides have left no stone unturned at practice, but there is no exact substitute to the challenging environment on the field.
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Miller, who was roped in by the inaugural season champions at last year's auction, thinks much the same.
"We have been through intense training sessions in preparation for the IPL but match practice is something that comes to you when you are actually there in the middle of a game. So yeah, I feel it will take some time to get going in a match situation but hard training would reduce that acclimatisation time for a match," Miller told ANI.
Royals, like other franchises, have organised a few inter-squad games for their players to get them match-ready before the tournament.
"The training's been good, it's been off the optimum intensity keeping all the details in mind. The matches obviously help, it was good to get an outing on the pitch in a match situation of sorts," said Miller.
"Important that we go through the different phases of a T20 game both with the bat and on the field. The (inter-squad) matches are helping us get better, polish the final bits of our preparation, and enabling us to work on certain nuances in the match situation before the IPL kicks off," he added.
In a team where Steve Smith, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes usually take care of the four overseas slots in the first XI, Miller wants to make count whatever opportunities he gets.
"I would like to do well obviously for the Royals and help the team notch up a few wins if possible. The aim would be to obviously get set as quickly as possible and score some runs out there."
"The hope is to contribute to the team's cause and start off well, performing consistently throughout the tournament and making the most of this opportunity to play for Royals."
"I am looking forward to playing with them (Smith & co) at this year's IPL. I've got a lot of respect for all of them as opponents (internationally) and am eager to join them on the field. It'll be interesting to see how they sort of prepare for the game and the mindset these guys have when are out in the middle."
Miller played 79 matches for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) before moving to Royals. The left-hander has had question marks raised over his game against spin but boasts of an overall impressive record of 1,850 runs at a strike-rate of 138.78 in the league. Miller says the IPL is such that it pushes cricketers like him to come up with their best or perish.
"I feel the IPL is a step up in quality. The competition for places is quite intense and as an international player, you really need to prove yourself to get into the playing XI."
"There's quality throughout the squad means you need to be at your best at all times really. There's quality in every team which makes it a tough and quite an even competition."
"Also, the passion and energy from the Indian fans during an IPL season are unparalleled, and as a cricketer just makes you want to play and do well in front of the loud fans who've come to watch you," he concluded.
