David Miller, the seasoned South African batter, has admitted to feeling the sting of being left out of the Delhi Capitals' playing XI for their last two IPL 2026 matches. But rather than letting frustration fester, the veteran is leaning on his years of experience to stay positive and prepared.
"Obviously it is frustrating. You always want to play every game, but such is the IPL," Miller said ahead of Delhi's recent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders—a match that saw him benched again as the hosts suffered their fifth consecutive home loss. KKR's Finn Allen powered a century to secure their fourth win of the season, leaving Delhi searching for answers.
The 34-year-old, who has been a regular fixture in the IPL since 2012, understands that team balance often dictates tough decisions. With only four overseas slots available, Delhi have opted for Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order while accommodating pacers Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi—leaving Miller on the sidelines.
"The structure with only four overseas players in the XI means combinations become really important for the team," Miller explained. "This is not my first IPL, so I understand the make-up of teams. My focus is to keep giving positive feedback to the squad, remain supportive, and contribute whatever I can."
Despite the disappointment, Miller remains committed to staying match-ready. "I just want to remain ready and prepare really well. That's what players like to do, whether the chance comes again or not," he said, showing the professionalism that has defined his career.
The 2026 season has been a challenging one for Miller so far. In seven innings, he has managed just 123 runs at a strike rate of 146.42—a modest return for a player known for his explosive finishing. While he has remained unbeaten four times, his standout performance remains a brisk 41* off 20 balls against Gujarat Titans earlier in the campaign.
For a player of Miller's caliber, being on the bench is never easy. But as he knows all too well, the IPL waits for no one—and the best players are always ready when their number is called.