Even though they finished the IPL 2023 league phase in the number one position, defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) aren’t performing at their best. Following a loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 1, several Titans players have come under scrutiny including South Africa international David Miller.
Former India cricketer turned broadcaster Aakash Chopra believes Miller’s ‘star has been on the wane’, particularly in recent times. Despite maintaining a terrific strike rate of 145.50, the lethal South African left-hander has been averaging a modest 32.37 in 13 innings of IPL 2023. However, he has failed to reach double digits in his past three innings and will be looking to get better in Friday’s knockout game against the Mumbai Indians.
Chopra evaluated Titans’ batting issues on his YouTube channel ahead of Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 clash in Ahmedabad, pointing out David Miller’s poor runs and fall in performances as a huge headache for the reigning champions.
“This team has surprised me slightly in the last few games. The batting order is generally not topsy-turvy but they have done that. Vijay Shankar batted at No. 3 against Bangalore and scored 50 runs, he batted really well,” Chopra affirmed on his channel in the show Cricket ki Chaupal.
David Miller’s star has been on the wane: Chopra
“When the next match came in Chennai, Hardik Pandya was at No. 3. The guy is not if red-hot form because he hasn’t even scored 300 runs in this entire tournament. David Miller’s star has been on the wane recently, that’s another development that is hurting Gujarat’s team,” he added further.
Gujarat Titans, the defending champions, and the Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, are all geared up for a high-octane battle in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. On Sunday, the winner of the match will take on the Chennai Super Kings to claim the IPL 2023 title.