Veteran South Africa batter David Miller is back, refreshed, and hungry—determined to use the upcoming five-match T20I series against India as the platform to reclaim his place in the Proteas squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
After a frustrating hamstring injury and several months away from international cricket, Miller returns to the fold with a renewed mindset and a body he says feels “strong” and “ready to go”. For a player who has been at the heart of South Africa’s white-ball setup for over a decade, this series holds massive personal significance.
“It’s just great to be back,” Miller said in Cuttack ahead of the opening match.
“Being at home and reflecting on a few things was actually really cool. I tapped into new training regimes and tried different things with my body. It turned out to be a really good time away. Now I feel fit, strong, and ready.”
A Veteran with a Point to Prove
Miller hasn’t featured for South Africa since the Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand in March. His absence from key fixtures raised questions about his role heading into a World Cup year.
Now, with the global event less than two months away, the 36-year-old has clarity: this India series is his chance to stake a claim.
He was part of the side that came agonisingly close to winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, losing the final to India in Barbados—a wound that still lingers.
“There’s still disappointment, yes,” Miller admitted.
“But there’s no single recipe to win a World Cup. It takes a full group effort—management and players standing up when it matters.”
Eyes on Two World Cups
While the immediate focus is the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka beginning February 7, Miller is also thinking long-term.
He hopes to remain in contention for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“I haven’t had good chats with Shukri yet, but now that I’m back, those conversations will happen,” he said.
“The ODI World Cup is just under two years away. There’s a big pool of players now, but I feel I can add something with my experience.”
Miller was one of South Africa’s standout performers at the 2023 ODI World Cup, scoring 356 runs—including a memorable century that showcased his trademark power-hitting.
Proteas Ready for India Test
Miller joins a South African squad packed with exciting talent—Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen and Kwena Maphaka—alongside experienced figures like Quinton de Kock and Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa’s squad for the India series:
Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.
With India hosting the series, conditions will mirror what both teams can expect at the T20 World Cup, making this clash far more than just another bilateral assignment.
Series Schedule:
- 1st T20I: December 9 – Cuttack
- 2nd T20I: December 11 – Chandigarh
- 3rd T20I: December 14 – Dharamsala
- 4th T20I: December 17 – Lucknow
- 5th T20I: December 19 – Ahmedabad
For Miller, it’s simple: perform now, secure World Cup selection, and help deliver the trophy that has eluded South Africa for decades.
He has done it before in big moments—and he believes he can do it again.
