New Delhi: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of David Miller following Delhi Capitals’ heartbreaking one-run loss to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. The former India captain explained why Miller’s controversial decision in the final over should not be judged too harshly, despite it proving costly.
Miller found himself at the centre of criticism after refusing a single on the penultimate ball of the match, a move that ultimately backfired as Delhi Capitals fell short in a thrilling chase.
The moment that changed the game
The match came down to the final over with Delhi needing two runs from the last two deliveries. Miller, who had been striking the ball brilliantly, chose not to take a single and instead retained the strike.
With spinner Kuldeep Yadav at the non-striker’s end, Miller backed himself to finish the game on the final delivery. However, Gujarat Titans pacer Prasidh Krishna bowled a superb delivery that beat Miller.
In a desperate attempt to steal a run, Kuldeep was run out by a sharp direct hit from Jos Buttler, sealing a dramatic victory for Gujarat Titans.
Gavaskar explains Miller’s mindset
Analysing the situation, Gavaskar acknowledged that, in hindsight, Miller could have rotated the strike. However, he stressed that the batter’s decision was driven by confidence rather than poor judgment.
Gavaskar pointed out that Miller had been in excellent form during the closing stages of the innings and believed he could secure the required runs himself. He also praised the quality of Krishna’s delivery, calling it a decisive factor in the outcome.
According to Gavaskar, such decisions are often easier to criticise after the result is known, but at that moment, Miller’s confidence justified his approach.
Kevin Pietersen echoes similar views
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen also defended Miller, offering insight into the batter’s likely thought process during the tense final moments.
Pietersen suggested that Miller was confident of at least securing a single off the last ball, if not hitting a boundary. Given his clean striking ability, Miller would have believed that he was the best person to finish the match.
He further explained that Miller may have been reluctant to risk Kuldeep Yadav facing the final delivery, considering the pressure situation. From Miller’s perspective, keeping the strike maximised Delhi’s chances of victory.
A case of execution, not intent
Both Gavaskar and Pietersen emphasised that Miller’s decision was not flawed in intent but rather in execution. The South African had played a brilliant knock to bring Delhi Capitals close to victory and nearly pulled off a remarkable chase.
The outcome ultimately hinged on a high-quality delivery from Prasidh Krishna, which left Miller with little room to execute his shot.
Miller’s effort nearly seals dramatic win
Miller’s unbeaten 41 off 20 balls had revived Delhi’s hopes in what seemed like a lost cause. His aggressive strokeplay, including crucial boundaries in the penultimate over, brought the equation down to a manageable level.
Having re-entered the field after receiving treatment for a finger injury, Miller showed immense determination and composure under pressure. His effort nearly turned the game in Delhi’s favour.
Lessons from a thrilling finish
The match serves as a reminder of how fine the margins are in T20 cricket. A single decision or delivery can dramatically alter the outcome, making it one of the most unpredictable formats of the game.
While Miller’s call will continue to be debated, the support from cricketing greats highlights the importance of understanding context and player mindset in high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
Sunil Gavaskar’s defence of David Miller underscores the importance of perspective in analysing match-defining moments. While the decision did not yield the desired result, it was rooted in confidence and belief.
In the end, it was a combination of Miller’s bold approach and Prasidh Krishna’s execution that defined the outcome. For Delhi Capitals, the loss will be painful, but the performance showcased their fighting spirit in IPL 2026.