After so many years, I understand my game much better : David Miller

David Miller had a crazy season with the bat for Gujarat Titans, averaging 68.71 at a strike rate of 142.73. Being entrusted with the responsibility of finishing games, Miller rose to the occasion quite earnestly and was the biggest positive for the side in the lower middle order. While the intensity is still the same as it was more than a decade ago, when he made his debut, but what has changed for David Miller is his ability to "understand the game a lot better" and handle pressure with consummate ease.

Miller is enjoying every bit of his new-found star status after playing a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans' IPL triumph with 481 runs. More importantly, he won at least four games in a finisher's role. "Scoring the amount of runs I did, closing out a couple of games is something I looked forward to before the start of IPL. Batting in the middle order, you do want to finish off games. So it was nice to tick that box," Miller said on the eve of South Africa's five-match T20I series against India.

In the past, the lack of consistency has been Miller's bane despite his voluminous talent, but he feels that he hasn't tweaked his game much. But it's the understanding that has made the difference. "I wouldn't say I have done anything differently. Being around a long time now, one grows and matures in the role I play for so many years, I understand my game a lot better," he said.

"I still get nervous and go through negative thoughts but I can deal with that pressure a lot better. Understanding my game better in what I need to do has helped," he explained.

With five matches left to complete 100 games for South Africa in the shortest format, Miller feels that he brings calmness to the change-room. "For me, I see myself trying to create that calmness in the change room, trying to just clarify a few things with younger guys to what they need to do better. Really enjoyable to be giving advice but along with that you are always developing as a player and also learning from youngsters about their mindset, how they approach the game," Miller added.