South African star David Miller's decision to prioritise his country's two World Cup Super League (WCSL) matches against the Netherlands has not gone down well with his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Titans, he revealed in a press conference in Potchefstroom on Monday.
The defending champions open the tournament against the Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on March 31, while the Proteas take on the Dutchmen in Benoni on March 31 and the Wanderers on April 2. With a chance to qualify directly for the World Cup in India in October and November, a few members of the Proteas are sure to join their IPL teams only after these fixtures.
"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 definitely the way forward. I will be missing one game so, whether I'm somewhat disappointed or not, the process has taken place."
Some of South Africa's best players play important roles for IPL teams. The other players are Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen, who play for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals' Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, Mumbai Indians' Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, Lucknow Super Giants' Quinton de Kock, and Punjab Kings' Kagiso Rabada.
He also revealed that his teammates and him could not go against the CSA. "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," Miller said.
Miller missed the first two ODIs of the series because of his PSL commitment with the Multan Sultans, who lost the trophy to the Lahore Qalandars by one run. The first ODI was washed out while the Windies won the second by 48 runs. South Africa will hope to earn a series draw in the third ODI on Tuesday.
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