The match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 8 emerged as one of the season’s most thrilling encounters. David Miller’s decision to refuse a single to Kuldeep and retain strike on the penultimate ball proved pivotal in the outcome.
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Miller, returning from injury, played a remarkable innings of 41 runs off 20 balls. After the dismissal of KL Rahul, Delhi faced a steep target, needing 45 runs from the last three overs. Miller responded aggressively, attacking Mohammed Siraj with two boundaries and a six in the 19th over, before clearing the boundary off Prasidh Krishna in the final one.
This reduced the equation to two runs off two balls. Miller struck the ball to deep square leg but chose not to take the run, to remain on strike. The last ball from Prasidh was well executed; Miller missed the run, and Kuldeep failed to make it to the crease in time, resulting in a one-run victory for Gujarat Titans.
After the game, Sunil Gavaskar commented on Miller’s choice, suggesting that he might have been better off giving Kuldeep the strike. However, Gavaskar acknowledged Miller’s confidence to finish off the game given his form in the preceding overs.
“Yes, he was backing himself to hit the winning runs, but having seen the way Kuldeep Yadav nudged that ball for a single off the first ball maybe he should have given Kuldeep the strike,” Gavaskar said. “He should have given the strike. This is all being wise after the event, but the fact remains that the way he had been hitting the previous over and that over as well, he believed that he could do it, simple as that. So you can’t fault him for that. He had the confidence that he could do it, but it didn’t come off because the ball that Prasid Krishna bowled was an absolutely superb delivery.”
‘DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE RISK WITH KULDEEP’
Kevin Pietersen offered another perspective, explaining that Miller might have viewed taking a single as a risk that could lead to losing the match outright, preferring instead to avoid that by retaining the strike.
“I think purely based on the fact that he thought that from that last delivery, he would guarantee to get one at least. And if not one, he would strike it out of the ground because he’s that good at striking the ball out of the ground. So that’s where his mind would have been. Does he want to risk Kuldeep or Kuldeep getting out?” Pietersen said. He continued, “Yes, they’ve tied the game, and yes, they’ve got the super over, but he thought from that final delivery, I’ll definitely get one. The worst case is one. I’m not going to miss it. Best case, I’ll get a 2,3,4,5,6. That’s where he was at.”
Following the match, Miller was consoled by Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel, who appreciated Miller’s efforts in bringing the team close to victory. Delhi Capitals will next face Chennai Super Kings on April 11.
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