After the blow that was the injury to Kane Williamson, defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Gujarat Titans (GT) have received a major boost with the return of David Miller, who missed the opening match victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday, March 31.
Miller was in the playing XI for South Africa during their big win over the Netherlands, which has an important bearing on the team's direct qualification to the 2023 ODI World Cup in October-November. He scored an impressive 91 off just 61 balls to help his team to a massive total of 370 runs.
Meanwhile, Williamson has been ruled out of IPL 2023 after his injury in the first game of the tournament. He hurt his right knee while preventing the ball from going over the boundary. He flicked it back into the field before touching the boundary ropes. Williamson landed on his right knee and immediately collapsed on the ground clutching his knee and got medical attention as the GT physios rushed to their overseas recruit’s aid.
The 32-year-old managed to save two runs for his side but he could not take the field during CSK’s innings. The physios helped him get to the dugout.
Miller will be eager to return to the pitch for Gt, having had his best season in the IPL to date in 2022. The middle-order maestro scored 449 runs for the Titans, including three consecutive sixes against the Rajasthan Royals' Prasidh Krishna in the first qualifier in Kolkata, guiding the Titans to the final.
Speaking ahead of the IPL in a press conference, Miller did reveal that the IPL franchise were none too pleased with his absence from the first match. However, his presence proved unnecessary as Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia completed a run-chase led by the in-form Shubman Gill.
"They were really upset," Miller said ahead of their ODI against West Indies in Potchefstroom.
"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 honour. 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 the way forward. I will be missing one game so, whether I'm somewhat disappointed or not, the process has taken place," said the Proteas batter.
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