David Miller has been one of the pillars of South African white-ball cricket for the past few years.
New Delhi: David Miller came out in public on Tuesday, quashing rumours of his retirement following South Africa’s loss in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India. One of the two unbeaten teams in the tournament, South Africa made history when they qualified for the final for the first time, defeating Afghanistan in the semifinals. But the Proteas failed to recreate the magic when it mattered the most despite being in cruise control in the chase till 15 overs.
Soon after the final, the news of Miller’s retirement spread like wildfire on social media. India.com highlighted Miller’s retirement rumours to Cricket South Africa on Tuesday. Hours later the southpaw took to Instagram to call it fake. “Contrary to some reports, I have NOT retired from T20 International cricket. I will continue to be available to play for the Proteas. The best is yet to come,” Miller wrote on his Instagram story.
Earlier, a ‘gutted’ Miller said the T20 World Cup 2024 final loss to India was a tough blow, but the swashbuckling batter expressed confidence that despite enduring pain the resilient South African team would continue pushing boundaries. Shedding the unwanted tag of perennial ‘chokers’, the Proteas had marched into their maiden T20 World Cup final unbeaten. However, they faltered in the summit clash, losing to India by seven runs.
“I am gutted!! Really tough pill to swalllow after what transpired 2 days ago. Words don’t explain how I am feeling. One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit,” Miller posted an Instagram story late on Monday.
Before the final, the Proteas enjoyed a sensational run, ekeing out wins in the pressure situations to become favourites for the title. “This journey was an incredible one, with highs and lows throughout the entire month. We have endured pain, but I know this team has the resilience and will keep raising the bar,” he wrote.
David Miller confirms the news of his retirement is fake.
– ‘The best is yet to come’. pic.twitter.com/CgaBJmIYvZ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 2, 2024
South Africa had looked on course to a memorable win needing 30 runs in as many balls. However, Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, fashioned a remarkable turnaround picking the key wicket of Heinrich Klaasen followed by Marco Jansen.
With Miller at the crease and 16 needed off the last over, the Proteas still remained hopeful. But a spectacular catch by Suryakumar Yadav at the boundary ended Miller’s innings while deflating hopes of a South African win. It was the closest South Africa had come to winning a title, having made seven semifinal exits in ICC global events.