David Miller has proved to be an invaluable asset for Kings XI Punjab. Ahead of the IPL title clash against Kolkata Knight Riders though, the South African praises Virender Sehwag and says he has learnt a lot from his fearless batting.
He has made a mark for himself with his batting exploits but for Kings XI Punjab's David Miller, Virender Sehwag's fearless brand of cricket is what has helped the team storm into the Indian Premier League 2014 final. Sehwag hit 122 off 58 balls against Chennai Super Kings in the second qualifier of the tournament.
Sehwag's ferocious knock floored the Chennai bowlers in a crucial knockout match on Friday. It was one of the best knocks seen in the tournament and Miller had the best view from the opposite end of the pitch. "Speechless! It was phenomenal to stand once again on the non-striker's end and watch him perform like that," Miller said in an interview published on iplt20.com. "You always hear a lot of things about people until you meet them, and Sehwag has been a phenomenal man." (Read also: I promised my son a good knock after schoolmates teased him: Sehwag )
While only three IPL 7 runs separated them after the qualifier against Chennai, Miller (445 runs) said he had learnt a lot from Sehwag (448 runs) through the course of the tournament. "I have really learnt a lot from him and just the way he goes about things; he has been a humble man and very generous and really good to the younger players."
In fact, having Sehwag in the side has not just helped Kings XI on the field but off it as well. Young Sandeep Sharma had previously said that the veteran cricketer would stop his own net session and come over to share tips. (Read more here)
While genial towards his teammates, the 35-year-old has been in ravaging mood against opposition. "He strikes me as fearless. He plays his natural game no matter what the situation. He just backs himself 100 percent," said Miller.
The South African cricketer feels with Sehwag giving the side an explosive start and the in-form Glenn Maxwell providing late surges, Kings XI Punjab have a solid chance of lifting their maiden title. "Maxwell just clears the ropes so many times, then just finishes off what Sehwag starts."
Kings XI Punjab may have lost their first qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders but the team once again faces the same opposition for the title. The stakes are at their highest but with Miller, Maxwell and Sehwag bludgeoning the ball with purpose, the title clash promises to be an absolute thriller.
Story first published on: Sunday, 01 June 2014 16:56
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