David Miller, the left-hand big hitting Kings XI Punjab batsman, has come out and stated that his team has been able to turn the corner for themselves this season on the back of strong leadership by their captain Ravichandran Ashwin and a collective team effort.
Recently, in a press conference, Miller talked about how the team has played across the first eight games of the season and said, “It’s been amazing. Everyone’s playing really well. We have had a few outstanding performances from quite a few players. To win big competitions, you need inspired shows. Everyone has contributed on and off the field. I would say this is Kings XI’s best chance of winning the Indian Premier League"
The camaraderie he gets to share with his teammates in the Kings XI set-up is something that Miller is happy with. When asked about this, he said, "Brilliant guys. It has been a privilege to be a part of the Kings XI franchise for so long and meet such wonderful cricketers like them (R Ashwin, KL Rahul, Yuvraj Singh etc.). It’s nice mingling with them. You learn from them and at the very same time, it’s nice to share your experiences with them"
"As for KL, he has a very good future. For sure, an all-format India player. Ashwin is a very astute captain. And Yuvi we all know, champion player.”
Kings XI Punjab are winning and the team hasn't made too many changes because of it. It has meant lack of opportunities for Miller himself. When asked about this, David Miller said, "Yeah, a bit disappointed, but that’s fine. It’s up to the management to decide the best XI. It’s important to stay motivated. Anytime you can be asked to play"
On Chris Gayle's impact on the fortunes of the franchise, Miller said, "He’s a great man. I always wanted to know him. Everyone thinks he’s too old and this and that. He’s an absolute legend. He’s the spark KXIP needed"
Speaking about the tough, grueling schedule that the modern day players have to go through. Miller shed light on it by saying, "There are a lot more positives than negatives to it. You get to travel around the world, play in different conditions and that improves your skill set. You stay away from the family for the most part of the year, but yeah, that’s a part of the journey"
Miller concluded by talking about an issue that is hurting the South African cricket now, the growing impact of Kolpak county cricket deals on his country's sport.
"The Kolpak thing has been going for the past many years. It only has been media hype because quite a few players took the Kolpak route not so long ago (Kyle Abbott, Simon Harmer, Rilee Rossouw, Stiann van Zyl, Hardus Viljoen and David Wiese with the latest one being Morne Morkel). It’s an individual thing. If that opens up better opportunities for them, it’s great" said Miller.
