Delhi Capitals batter David Miller says he’s taking his benching in Tuesday’s 2026 IPL clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in his stride. Miller was left out after Karun Nair was named in the playing XI, with the South African instead listed as an impact substitute.
Quick facts
- Match: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings, 2026 IPL
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Key selection note: Karun Nair made the playing XI; Miller was an impact substitute
- Impact player used: Sameer Rizvi came on as an impact player
- Captaincy call: Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bat on a bowler-friendly pitch
- Immediate storyline: Axar’s decision to drop Miller drew widespread criticism
- Next game: DC play Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday at home
- Qualification task: Miller said Delhi need to win all remaining four matches to have any chance
When Delhi struggled with the bat after Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bat on a pitch described as favouring bowlers, Sameer Rizvi was brought in as the impact player. Miller’s exclusion from the XI triggered plenty of debate, but the 2010s-and-beyond IPL veteran insisted it wasn’t personal.
Speaking on the situation, Miller acknowledged that not taking the field is difficult for any player. Still, he argued that IPL squads are built around fine-tuned combinations, and team balance sometimes demands tough calls—especially in an environment where only four overseas players are available.
“It’s obviously frustrating not to play,” Miller said. “You always want to be out there every match, but the way the IPL is structured—with limited overseas slots—makes combinations crucial for the team.”
He added that experience helps him process these decisions quickly. Miller said he has been through enough IPL seasons to understand how squads are put together, and he’s focused on backing teammates rather than dwelling on being left out.
“I’ve been around for a while; it’s not my first IPL,” he explained. “So I understand the make-up, and I want to stay positive—give feedback where I can, and do my part for the group.”
Miller also framed his mindset as one of preparation for when his opportunity returns. Whether it comes later in the season or not, he wants to stay sharp and ready to contribute.
Delhi return to action on Friday, again at home, this time against Kolkata Knight Riders. Miller’s message was blunt about the road ahead: with qualification slipping away, DC’s remaining schedule leaves little room for error.
He said the side now has to treat each game like a must-win. “It’s four from four. We pretty much need to win now. We have to win four from four to have a chance of qualifying, so it becomes really important,” Miller stated.
Moments that cost DC
Miller pointed to the bigger picture in DC’s season, admitting they sit seventh in the points table at present. He suggested that a couple of earlier results could have gone the other way—citing matches where small margins swung the outcome.
He referenced the Gujarat Titans game, noting that Miller was unable to make an impact there, scoring just 2 runs off 2 balls. He also recalled the Punjab Kings encounter, where Delhi failed to defend 264, with dropped catches playing a role in turning the contest.
“Look, it is not easy. Obviously, we don’t go out there to lose,” Miller said. “We’ve definitely debriefed and spoken about a few things. For me, I don’t think we’ve been playing bad cricket at all.”
In his view, DC have produced strong spells and competitive performances, but the team has been let down by brief phases. Those short stretches—rather than one single recurring issue—have been costly when opponents have raised the intensity.
“We have been playing really good cricket,” Miller added, “but there are just moments in the game where we’ve let ourselves down as a team in certain areas. It’s not one particular area the whole time—more like little phases here and there.”
With T20 cricket rewarding momentum swings, Miller stressed that sides must stay switched on throughout. He noted that the gap between top and bottom teams is often smaller than it looks, because any side can beat another on the day.
“When the opposition teams are really strong and competitive, you have to be on your game at all stages,” he said. “Any team can beat anyone—bottom of the table or top of the table. It’s really competitive.”
