South African cricketer David Miller revealed that his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) were really upset with him as he would be missing their opening game in the upcoming IPL 2023 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 31 due to national duty.

Several South African players will miss the start of the upcoming IPL 2023 due to their international commitments, as they are set to play two ODIs against the Netherlands on March 31 and April 2.

However, South Africa hasn’t yet announced the squad for the ODI series, but they would pick a strong squad to bolster their chance to qualify for the World Cup 2023.

This means the likes of Miller, SRH captain Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, DC’s Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, MI’s Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, LSG’s Quinton de Kock, PBKS’ Kagiso Rabada are likely to miss the start of the IPL 16.

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David Miller said at a press conference: “They were really upset. It’s always a big thing playing in Ahmedabad, especially in an opening game against Chennai. I am a bit disappointed to be missing that, but to put on the green and gold has always been a huge privilege and honor.”

He continued, “And we have got some work to do in those two games against the Netherlands, so I think having a strong team – the best squad we can pick – is definitely the way forward. I will be missing one game so, whether I’m somewhat disappointed or not, the process has taken place.”

Miller signed off by saying, “We weren’t given an option in any way. Be that as it may, we’ve got our best squad on the park and we’ve got a lot of work to do in those two games. So, it will be nice to be able to focus on that.”

(With The Indian Express Inputs)