IPL 2023: David Miller to Miss the Season Opener Against CSK

South Africa batter David Miller is upset about the fact that he will be missing the first game of the upcoming season of the  Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) owing to national duties. The first game of this year’s IPL will be played between defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) and four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Miller, who is due to play for Titans, is going to miss the season opener as he will be involved in the ODI series between the Proteas and the Netherlands.

Along with several other South Africa players, Miller will miss the start of the marquee event in order to be available for the Proteas for the two World Cup Super League (WCSL) matches against the Netherlands. These matches will be played at home and are scheduled to take place on March 31 and April 2.

The Proteas probably need to win both the games against the Netherlands in order to earn a direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year. Although, the squad hasn’t been announced but it is a surety that Miller will be part of it, which makes him unavailable for the starting few days of the IPL 2023.

IPL 2023: Miller Chooses Country Over IPL Gig

This is huge blow for Gujarat Titans, a team that created history by becoming just the second team to win the IPL title in their first season, as Miller played a crucial role in their successful campaign last year. The Gujarat-based franchise is not happy with Miller missing the tournament opener, reveals the hard hitting Proteas batter.

“They were really upset. It’s always a big thing playing in Ahmedabad, especially in an opening game against Chennai. I am a bit disappointed to be missing that, but to put on the green and gold has always been a huge privilege and honour. And we have got some work to do in those two games against the Netherlands, so I think having a strong team – the best squad we can pick – is definitely the way forward. I will be missing one game so, whether I’m somewhat disappointed or not, the process has taken place,” David Miller told a press conference in Potchefstroom on Monday.