IPL 2022 | David Miller grateful for receiving support from Gujarat Titans

South African power-hitter David Miller has stated that the backing and role clarity received from Gujarat Titans (GT) made a massive difference in his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. 

Miller suggested that he has enjoyed his tenure with the first finalists of the season after smashing a match-winning 68* from just 38 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the first Qualifier in Kolkata on Tuesday (May 24).

'Killer Miller' smashed five sixes, out of which three came in the final over with 16 runs needed in a nail-biting chase of 189. Notably, the hard-hitting left-hander has scored 449 runs, registering his best-ever tally in an IPL season. Although he scored over 400 runs in 2013 and 2014 before facing a few bad seasons and struggling in the middle.

While explaining the reason behind his recent success in IPL 2022, Miller remarked that he understood his game better now in the tournament. 

"Opportunity, firstly. I have been given a good role and given an extended run. Have good backing from the outside. For my personal game, I am enjoying my role. I have played long time but I am understanding my game better. I am trying to keep everything closer to my gameplan," Miller spoke during the post-match presentation. 

"The joy of IPL, you play for different teams. In franchise cricket you get to meet players, I knew few people already moving into the team. There were a few butterflies, but after our first close win, everything aligned and we started making a nice habit," he further added.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, he took charge in his 106-run stand with the captain Hardik Pandya for the 4th wicket and kept his calm under immense pressure. He hit the first three balls off Prasidh Krishna in the final over into the stands at Eden Gardens before congratulating his captain on celebrating the big win.

When asked about his six-hitting skills, Miller replied, "If it's in the V, it's in the tree. If it is in the arc, it's out of the park. You got to control what you can. Can't think too much ahead and what will happen. You need to concentrate on your breathing, and if it's in your area you have to do it. It's the last over, so you know no more balls."

Gujarat Titans will now play the IPL 2022 final at their home ground, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They will take on the winner of the second qualifier between RR and Lucknow Super Giants or Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday, May 29.