Mumbai: South Africa cricketer David Miller earned the sobriquet ‘Killer Miller’ after an incredible innings of 101 off 38 deliveries in an IPL match for Kings XI Punjab against Royal Challengers Bangalore. But the cricketer isn’t too fond of the nickname. ‘Come on, I am not a serial killer,” he says.
“I don’t really like it, it is cheesy. I don’t know how to get rid of it. It is what it is and I don’t think I’ll change it. Be careful at midnight, I could be there,” he laughs.
Miller is one of the expressive cricketers around in the ICC World Twenty20. He regards India as his channel to the South Africa national team.
“My root has been through IPL. I started off watching matches from the sideline and then, moved on to play every game. Now, I have been made captain of Kings XI Punjab. The tournament helped me take fortunate breaks and play spinners better. It also helped me have enough game time in India,” adds Miller who flaunts KXIP on his Twitter bio.
But the Punjab skipper isn’t worried about the challenges of captaincy at the moment.
“I am playing the World Cup for my country now, I will sort out the challenges as captain once I get to the IPL,” he mentions.
The ‘killer’ tag is nothing but an oxymoron. Miller doesn’t like getting into fights or chats in the middle.
“If a bowler is sledging, trying to initiate a chat, I just smile at them. I try not to get involved talking to the opposition. But this World Cup, it may change. You never know,” he asserts.
However, he believes it is time South Africa eradicates the chokers tag.
“We’ve had unlucky situations in the past. We should have won the semi-final in the 50-over World Cup last year. But it is time we move on. I have dreamt of World Cup as a kid and being in this situation is a great feeling,” said Miller who has a strike-rate of 133.03 in the T20 format.
South Africa will meet hosts India in a warm-up match at Wankhede Stadium here on Saturday.
