Indian Premier League

IPL 2022: People counted David Miller out but for us, he was always a match-winner – Hardik Pandya

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya lauded David Miller after the southpaw played a match-winning knock of 68 runs off just 38 balls against Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday to help his team win by seven wickets and qualify for the Tata IPL 2022 final.

GT had a tough job of chasing down 189 runs but Miller was the star of the show. He joined forces with his skipper Hardik Pandya when his team was on 85-3. The left-hander got off to a slow start as he scored 10 runs in the first 14 balls he faced. However, he was able to change gears quickly and scored three fours and five sixes in his brilliant knock.

The southpaw went on to score 58 runs in the last 24 balls he faced as he was at his best. 16 runs were needed off the final over when Miller went on to smash three sixes on the first three balls against Prasidh Krishna to get his over the line in the run-chase.

Meanwhile, Miller wasn’t at his best in the last couple of seasons in the IPL but he has been able to turn the tables in the ongoing season. Miller has scored 449 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 64.14 and a blistering strike rate of 141.19 in the ongoing season. The South African was roped in for INR 3 crores in the IPL 2022 mega auction.

“I am genuinely proud of the way he has lifted his game, he is genuinely a damn good guy,” Pandya said of Miller. “I was proud to play with him and enjoy… simply he is such a wonderful guy I have always wanted good things to happen to him. It shows that if you show love and importance to an individual player, he can flourish and how.

“People counted David Miller out, but for us, he was always the match-winner from the time we bought him in the auction,” Pandya said. “We always expected him to do what he did (in Kolkata) but it was important to give him the importance, love and clarity as to what we expect from him and if we fail it is okay, it is just a game.”

Miller, on the other hand, revealed that Hardik Pandya helped him stay calm when he went out to bat. As Pandya was able to get off the blocks, Miller took his time in the initial phase.

“I was a bit nervous to be honest with you but Hardik said lets just keep playing good cricket shots, keep hitting the gap,” Miller told Gill. “As you saw he was not running too fast, and for me, I enjoy running between the wickets pretty hard. But it ended up working out pretty well. It was a quick outfield so hitting the gap was probably the best call, and just hitting good cricket shots.”

GT will now play the IPL final on May 29 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024