IPL 2022 | 'It does take me back to memory lane,' Miller speaks after GT’s emphatic victory over Chennai

Gujarat Titans recorded a memorable win over Chennai Super Kings in yesterday's encounter at Pune. Chasing 170, GT were reeling at sixteen for three at one stage, but the heroic efforts of David Miller and Rashid Khan took them home with just one ball to spare in the end. Miller was exceptional as he smashed 94 off 51 balls, a knock that included eight fours and six gigantic sixes. 

On being asked how he felt after playing such a blinder of a knock, Miller revealed that it took him back to the glorious days when he used to finish games for fun. 

The dynamic Southpaw stressed that he has worked a lot on his fitness and focused only on playing his natural game during the successful chase. However, he also admitted that the hard new ball made it easier for him to score in the earlier part of his innings, giving him the much-needed confidence to bat until the end and finish the game. 

"I have been really working hard on my fitness. It does take me back to memory lane, it was sort of playing my game, see the ball hit the ball, with the rate already quite high, I wanted to express myself", Miller said in the post-match presentation. "Getting in with the position at 16/3 gives me an opportunity to shine. It doesn't happen too often, but when the ball was new, it helps", he further added. 

Apart from Miller, Rashid Khan also played a significant role in the Titans' victory by scoring 40 runs off just 21 deliveries. But, more importantly, he smashed Chris Jordan for 23 runs in the 18th over, which shifted the game into Gujarat's favour.

In his reaction, the spin maestro said it felt extraordinary for him to contribute as a captain for his side. He revealed that the plan he made with Miller was simply to bat till the end and strike the ball hard, which worked. 

"It's a dream come true to lead the team, and delivering that is something special", Rashid said. "We were trying to take the game as deep as possible. I just discussed it with Miller, and we tried to strike the ball hard. I needed to step up and take the responsibility, just wanted to back myself, and that was the plan", the tweaker added. 

On the other hand, Chennai's skipper Ravindra Jadeja admitted that although they had a good start, they couldn't bowl according to the plan in the slog overs, which cost them the match. The experienced Indian allrounder stressed that he believed in Chris Jordan to execute the yorkers properly, but unfortunately, it didn't come off. 

"We started brilliantly. As a bowling unit, we did well in the first six overs", Jadeja said. "When we were batting, the wicket was holding up a bit. The ball was gripping, but we didn't execute our plans in the last five overs. I thought CJ could execute his yorkers, but he couldn't do so. That's the beauty of T20 cricket", the 33-year-old concluded.