South African batter David Miller said that the intensity with which he plays, has remained constant for over a decade since he made his debut for the national side, but what has changed is his ability to understand the game better and handle the pressure with ease.
Miller managed to find back his form as he played a significant role in Gujarat Titans' IPL 2022 triumph with 481 runs to his name. He played match-winning finishing knocks on at least four occasions for the Ahmedabad-based franchise.
"Scoring the amount of runs I did, closing out couple of games is something I looked forward to before the start of IPL. Batting in the middle order, you do want to finish off games. So it was nice to tick that box," Miller said.
Despite his immense talent, Miller has failed to show consistency in the past. But he feels that he hasn’t modified his game a lot, it's his understanding of the sport that has made all the difference.
"I wouldn't say I have done anything different. Being around long time now, one grows and matures in role I play for so many years, I understand my game a lot better. I still get nervous and go through negative thoughts but I can deal with that pressure a lot better. Understanding my game better in what I need to do has helped," said the 32-year-old left-handed batter.
Miller who is five matches short of achieving the 100-T20I landmark for South Africa said that he brings calmness into the dressing room.
"For me, I see myself trying to create that calmness in the change room, trying to just clarify a few things with younger guys to what they need to do better. Really enjoyable to be giving advice but along with that you are always developing as player and also learning from youngsters about their mindset, how they approach the game," Miller said.
On asked about having any extra pressure after his IPL performance, he said, "Not any extra pressure or weight on my shoulders. Every international game that I have played whether as senior or junior, there has always been a sense of pressure. So I don't think it changes. Just that with experience I deal with it a lot of better. The short vacation to Maldives also helped a lot.
"It's been pretty hard with so many games of IPL but I have been working quite hard on physical side of things. I feel fresh and good to go after a two-day break in Maldives. Pretty good for mind," said Miller.
(PTI inputs)
