The new entrants Gujarat Titans (GT) clinched the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 title in their maiden season. South Africa's David Miller was among the key players who propelled GT towards the IPL glory.
Nobody would have imagined that Miller, who had gone unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction before being picked by GT in the second round, the kind of campaign he had but the star dazzled with his performances throughout the IPL.
Miller was solid in the middle-order and also played an important role as a finisher for his team guiding them to victories in numerous close matches. The left-hander amassed 481 runs in 16 matches at a stunning average of 68.71 and a strike rate of over 142.
But batting mostly at number five, as opposed to his usual six with South Africa, in the IPL this season, Miller scored 481 runs with the best average in the competition of 68.71 at a strike rate of 143.
Backing Miller to carry his confidence from the IPL to the away series against India, South Africa white-ball skipper Temba Bavuma said he is open to having a conversation with the southpaw regarding his batting position in the national T20I team.
"It's always nice to see guys in form. A guy like David lifting the trophy with the Gujarat Titans - the confidence that he will bring into the team, we look forward to that," Bavuma told reporters at the pre-departure press conference on Tuesday ahead of the series against India.
"David has performed exceedingly well at the IPL and I'm sure that will do a world of good for his confidence and whatever feelings of insecurity that might be there.
"The conversations that I have had with David, he has never expressed those types of feelings to me. David is still an integral member within our team and we trust his performances will continue well into the future," he added.
"In terms of him batting a bit longer, that has always been the conversation over the years when David has done well. He understands where he fits in within the team.
"If he feels he can add more value in a different position, a conversation can be had in that regard.
"There is no way we are going to stifle him or restrict David in any manner. That's how we try to treat all the players. We try to set them up in positions where they can succeed and make strong plays for the team," he further added.
