David Miller: Strike Rate Paramount in T20 Cricket, Averages Less Relevant
David Miller, the South African batsman, believes that strike rate will be the primary measure of success in T20 cricket, with averages becoming less relevant for players with his level of impact. Miller has been a key player for both the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and the South African national team, excelling in the role of a finisher.
In the current IPL season, batsmen have taken the power game to new heights, with seven scores above 250. This has sparked a debate about strike rate, with Miller emphasizing its importance. “In T20 cricket, it can be difficult to judge someone purely on average,” he said. “When it comes to the middle order, it has always been the strike rates and what kind of impact the batter has had in the game.”
Miller believes that as T20 cricket evolves, the focus will shift towards impact and match-winning ability. “How impactful are you in the game? Depending on the situation. If we’re needing 15 an over, can you do it? And that’s, I think, what guys are going to have to select teams on their match-winning ability,” he said.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup next month, Miller anticipates tough challenges from bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. “Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. And he has been a world-class bowler for many years. He’s a threat to me, as well as every other batter in the World Cup,” he said.
Miller also praised Gujarat Titans teammate Sai Sudharsan, who is having a breakout IPL season. “He’s an incredibly talented player. Still got a long career ahead of him. I’ve enjoyed watching him play. I love the way that he preps. And just the build-up to games and how he goes about it. He’s a very level-headed young boy that’s got a lot of talent,” said Miller.
Miller and South Africa will be aiming to win their first global title at the T20 World Cup. “This team that we have at the moment has played a lot of cricket together the last couple of years and has a lot of confidence and a lot of success,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of experience, guys that have been under pressure before and come through successfully.”
Miller is confident in his own abilities in ICC events. “I love World Cups, I must be honest. I feel like I’ve done well at World Cups, personally. And I just want to continue the momentum,” he said.