South African David Miller (ANI Photo) South Africa’s David Miller revealed that clarity of thought and disciplined execution were central to their plan against Indian all-rounder Varun Chakravarthy during the Super 8 clash.The Proteas outclassed the defending champions by 76 runs on Sunday, amassing 187/7 before bowling India out for 111. Chakravarthy, widely regarded as India’s potential game-changer, endured a difficult outing on a surface that offered no turns. He conceded 47 runs in his four overs, with Miller smashing 63 off 35 balls and Dewald Brevis contributing 45 off 29 as the pair launched a calculated attack.
Why India is in deep trouble | T20 World Cup 2026 | India vs South Africa
“I think it’s just about really making sure we were on it in terms of if he throws the wrong ball, we have to put it away — so a little more focus and it wasn’t spinning a lot tonight, so you can trust the line,” Miller told reporters after the game.“And once we felt that, then we felt, OK, we’ve got to take him down because he’s a threat to every team he plays against. So that was definitely something we talked about,” he explained.Miller’s knock, studded with seven fours and three sixes, was built on a return to basics. The 36-year-old emphasized the importance of staying composed and relying on preparation.“It’s about making sure you really stick to the simple things and the fundamentals and doing it really well. Like I said, my intention has to be up there at all times, making sure I have limited movements when the ball is rolling, so I’m calm, my breath, running hard, all those simple things.”“It’s a cliché but it’s true, in the heat of battle these are the things I hold on to.”Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Miller acknowledged the opposition’s position while emphasizing his party’s faith.“India are beatable. India, as I mentioned before, are an incredible team. But for us in a tournament like this, it’s about making sure we do the simple things and stay in our lane as players and do our job and get it done,” Miller said.“We’re a mature team. A lot of guys have played together and a lot of cricket for South Africa and that goes a long way under pressure. So I think it’s just staying in your lane, making sure you do your job and wanting more.”In a career spanning more than a decade, Miller has evolved from being labeled as a pure T20 all-rounder to a seasoned campaigner who understands the demands of the format. “It took a little bit. I’ve been playing the game for a while and it’s about making sure I really stick to (the fundamentals) when there are high-pressure moments like tonight in front of a big crowd.“…it’s a risky game and as a cricketer you’re going to fail. So it’s about making sure you play on your terms,” quipped Miller.His measured but aggressive approach proved decisive on the night, giving South Africa an emphatic victory and inflicting a significant setback on India at the Super 8 stage.
