David Miller says he has felt “frustrated” after being left out of Delhi Capitals’ playing XI for the last two matches of IPL 2026, but the seasoned South African batter insists he understands why squad selection and overseas balance can swing matchday combinations in the tournament. Speaking ahead of Delhi Capitals’ meeting with Kolkata Knight Riders in Delhi, Miller was again benched, and the hosts suffered yet another setback—marking their fifth straight home defeat. KKR, powered by a century from Finn Allen, went on to register their fourth win of the season.
Miller’s frustration—and why selection matters in IPL
Miller admitted that sitting out is never pleasant, especially for someone who has been a regular presence in the IPL since 2012. Still, he argued that the league’s structure forces teams to think carefully about how the XI is shaped.
- Miller said it is “obviously” frustrating to miss games, adding that every player wants to feature in each match.
- He pointed to the IPL’s overseas-player constraint—only four overseas players allowed in the playing XI—as a major reason why team combinations become crucial.
- He emphasised that, in his view, overseas balance and tactical planning remain the franchise’s top priorities when deciding the final XI.
Delhi’s XI choice leaves Miller out again
For the clash against KKR in Delhi, Delhi Capitals opted to reshuffle their batting order by bringing in Pathum Nissanka at the top. They also included overseas pacers Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi, a combination that resulted in Miller being left out once more.
- Pathum Nissanka was selected to bat at the top of the order.
- Overseas pacers Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi were accommodated in the XI.
- With that lineup in place, David Miller remained on the sidelines for the second consecutive match.
Staying involved: support, preparation, and mindset
Despite the disappointment of consecutive omissions, Miller stressed that his focus is still on contributing to the squad in every way he can—whether through support, guidance, or readiness for the next opportunity.
- He said he has been in the IPL for a long time and understands how teams are put together.
- Miller indicated his immediate goal is to provide positive feedback, stay supportive, and add value wherever the team needs him.
- He added that he is keeping himself prepared in case another chance comes later in the season.
- Miller said players should stay ready and prepare well, regardless of whether the next opportunity arrives or not.
Season numbers and the knock Miller remembers
Miller’s IPL 2026 has been challenging so far. In seven innings, he has managed 123 runs, striking at 146.42. While he has remained unbeaten four times, his most notable impact came in an innings earlier in the season against Gujarat Titans.
- Across seven innings, Miller has scored 123 runs at a strike rate of 146.42.
- He has finished not out on four occasions.
- His best effort to date has been 41 not out off 20 balls versus Gujarat Titans.
- That knock is also remembered for a controversial moment involving a missed single, even as his late surge did the damage.
With KKR’s win in Delhi and the latest selection decision keeping Miller out again, attention now turns to whether Delhi Capitals will bring him back into the XI when their combination needs shift in the coming fixtures.
