IPL 2022: “I have changed my mindset against spin”, David Miller reflects on his success in IPL 15

Miller has been the second highest run-scorer for GT with 449 runs from 15 innings.

David Miller | BCCI/IPLOn the eve of the IPL 2022 final, Gujarat Titans (GT) batter David Miller said a change in mindset against spinners has played a big part in his success this season.

Miller has played a key role in Titans’ journey to the IPL final, where they will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR). The southpaw has been the second highest run-scorer for GT with 449 runs from 15 innings at an average of 64.14 and a strike rate of 141.19.

See Also: ‘Proud to play with him’, Hardik Pandya hails ‘match-winner’ David Miller after his heroics in Qualifier 1

“It has been a good season for me against spin. It has been something that I have worked hard on. I have never really felt that I struggled against spin, but it is an area I had to improve,” Miller said during the pre-match press conference.

“…I have changed my mindset against spin. I have changed one or two things. I feel like it is just about making sure, especially in T20 cricket, that I am looking to score every ball.

“If there is a bad ball at least I am in a good position to put it away. It creates a bit of pressure on the bowler. So that is one of the things mentally I have tried to improve,” he added.

While playing for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in the last few seasons, Miller wasn’t getting regular opportunities and the left-hander is glad to have played all the games for GT this year.

“This season (I am) batting a bit higher. I am batting at five. I have managed to bat from the start of the season and play all the games, so it has been enjoyable that I am not in and out (of the team).

“I have managed to build something the whole season and keep my confidence growing,” he said. “I have been backed all the way. Playing all the games allows a player to settle down and really not worry about selection. I am loving being part of this successful team,” he said.

According to David Miller, GT’s success has a lot to do with the collective effort of the team.

“It has obviously been a really good season. But for me the standout has been Rahul Tewatia. Someone like (Mohammad) Shami has bowled incredibly well this season. He has put us in good positions in the powerplay.

“It is tough to single out players. A lot of guys have put their hands up throughout the competition and that has contributed to a lot of wins,” he said.

Miller heaped praise on opener Wriddhiman Saha, who has consistently given brisk starts to the Titans.

“He (Saha) is almost like a pillar of strength. I played with him for many years at Kings XI (Punjab Kings) and he is the one who doesn’t complain, doesn’t speak much but gets on with the job.

“The contributions that he has made has been extremely good upfront. He has set the tone, scoring a lot of boundaries in the powerplay, really getting us to good starts. He has had an incredible season and hopefully he tops with one more extremely good game,” he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 28 May, 2022

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