David Miller is a busy man these days. He has been giving so many interviews that he doesn't even find time to practice. Since he played that 80-run knock against Pune Warriors, he has been seen as an exciting talent and public interest in the South African only doubled after his 38-ball 101 thrashing of Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.
Miller belongs to the new era of cricket that is ruled by Twenty20 cricket, hard hitting, little respect for targets and providing cricket a new dimension. He may have taken time to make his presence felt in Indian Premier league but he ensured that he entered with a bang.
If Kings XI Punjab still find themselves in the race to qualify for the playoffs, full credit goes to this 23-year-old southpaw and his amazing hitting abilities.
Not given chance in the initial matches, Miller has emerged as one of the best batsmen in the ongoing IPl and even piped the mighty Chris Gayle in average and strike-rate. Though it can be argued that Miller has played less number of matches than Gayle, it's is to ignore that he has scored as many half-centuries as the RCB opener (3) and one century. And Miller too have a scorching century to match Gayle's 175.
Miller hasn't just scored runs but scored them very quickly and consistently. He ensured Punjab's 2013 campaign stay alive with five wins from 11 matches.
In comparison, Rajasthan Royals are in much better position with eight wins from 12 matches. They just need a couple of more wins to reach the playoffs. Theirs is a campaign built on the home success — Rajasthan have won all their seven matches at Sawai Man Singh stadium in Jaipur. Outside Jaipur, only once they could get the better of the opposition.
But that doesn't make Rahul Dravid-led side bad. On several occasions in this IPl season, they have proved that Rajasthan may be less on glamour but certainly not on talent.
Dravid has led the team from the front and inspired not only young guns like Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson but also experienced players like Shane Watson and Brad Hodge with his commitment and dedication towards the game.
It is a situation that Kings XI Punjab coach Darren lehmann would do anything to have. So far, his captain has dropped himself from the team due to non-performance; his most experienced batsman hasn't scored a half-century in 11 matches and his team isn't finishing close games properly. He is having a lot of concerns. "We've probably played well 80 per cent of the times in most games but have missed out because we have failed to seize the big moments," lehmann said.
"We've missed a catch here and there, or not taken our chances with the bat or ball. We haven't been able to trust our plans right in those games, in crunch situations. However, I thought we did that really well the other night - against RCB. In the remaining games starting Thursday, we really need to make sure we get that 20 per cent right too," the coach said.
When they came face to face the last time, Punjab batting presented a meek display as their innings folded out for just 124. Their bowlers displayed good fight in taking the match to final over but in the end, Rajasthan managed to keep their home intact.
However, this time Punjab is playing at their home - a place where Miller has played two brilliant knocks - and Rajasthan away - they have won just one match outside their state. "It's nice to be at home considering all teams' home domination. We now have only one away game and the rest of them are at home. So, it's time to make hay while the sun shines," lehmann said.