South Africa’s hard-hitting middle-order batter David Miller hopes to be back in the ODI side after his long absence from the side. Miller will be in action in the five-T20I series against India but will have a conversation with head coach Shukri Conrad about whether he will get a chance in the ODI squad in future. The 36-year-old intends to play the ODI World Cup 2027 at home.
"I haven't had good chats yet with Shukri but now that I am back in the mix, we'll be opening up those conversations and seeing where we're at," Miller said on the eve of the first T20I at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium.
"The ODI World Cup is just under two years away, there's a lot of new players that have come through and a big pool of players now that are doing really well. I feel like I can add something with my experience. In terms of selection, you're never guaranteed with certain things in life so it's a conversation that will unfold as the months go on and see where we're at."
Miller on fitness and keeping emotions in control
Miller’s previous ODI appearance was against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal encounter where he scored an unbeaten 67-ball 100 in the unsuccessful run chase. Since then, he has had bouts with injuries. Also, South Africa has had an influx of talent in the middle order leading to Miller not being an automatic choice. He understands he is in his twilight years and has to put in more effort in his training routines to keep up. The veteran batter also revealed that he is lot more in control of his emotions in pressure situations.
"Obviously, I would love to play a part for South Africa as long as I can, but it's just being real with certain conversations and time," he said.
ALSO READ: Pat Cummins set for comeback in Adelaide but star Australia player ruled out of entire Ashes 2025-26
"I'm 36 now and I'm feeling that I do have to step up off the field. I'm being a lot more diligent and a lot more consistent in training and being as fit as I can is something that I'm going to focus on a lot. I'm also a lot more in control with my emotions and pressure. I'm a lot clearer in my thinking, making better decisions under pressure and understanding the match situation."
Miller’s emphatic T20I record against India
Miller enjoys a good T20I record against India. He has 524 runs from 22 innings at an average of 34.94 and strike rate of 147.19. The southpaw has a century and two fifties against India in the format. England's Jos Buttler (644 runs), former West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran (592 runs) and Australia's Glenn Maxwell (576 runs) have more runs than Miller in T20Is against India.