'No way we're gonna restrict David Miller in any manner'- SA captain Temba Bavuma

The South Africa team will arrive in India on June 2 to feature in a five-match T20I series. The series is scheduled to be played from June 9 to 19 at five different venues. 

Cricket South Africa announced the power-packed squad for this series, hoping that the players that featured in the recently completed Indian Premier League (IPL) will come good. 

One of the key members of the Protea team, David Miller, emerged as the match-winner for the champions Gujarat Titans (GT) team in IPL 2022. He garnered 481 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 142.73. Moreover, the southpaw remained unbeaten in the last two knocks of 32* and 68* to take the team home. 

Ahead of their departure, South Africa white-ball captain Temba Bavuma hailed Miller's form and reckoned it would provide added confidence to the left-hander. 

"David performed exceedingly well at the IPL and I'm sure that will do a world of good for his confidence," Bavuma said at a media briefing. 

Bavuma revealed that GT batter is in a good space of mind and is a crucial player in the near-future assignments of the Proteas white-ball side.

"The conversations that I have had with David, he has never expressed those types of feelings to me," Bavuma said. "As far as I know, David is still an integral member within our team and we trust his performances will continue well into the future."

The skipper also answered a question about Miller's batting position in the series against India. It is evident that the 32-year-old batted at number six in T20 World Cup 2021. 

However, he came at four for Dolphins in the 2022 edition of CSA T20 Challenge 2022, and featured as a number five batter for GT in the recently concluded IPL. 

Bavuma reckoned that the conversation on this aspect with Miller can take place if the latter could bring out his best at different positions. He added that the team management will not restrict Miller with this kind of form ahead of the T20I series. 

"He understands where he fits in within the team. If he feels he can add more value within 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," said the Proteas white-ball skipper.

"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," Bavuma added.