Delhi Capitals’ IPL campaign suffered a gut-wrenching blow as they lost by a solitary run to Gujarat Titans in a last-ball thriller. The controversy centered on David Miller’s refusal to take a run on the penultimate ball of the final over, which led to Kuldeep Yadav’s run-out on the decisive delivery. But cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has urged fans not to vilify the experienced campaigner.
Recapping the tense finale at Arun Jaitley Stadium, DC needed 2 runs off 2 balls. Kuldeep flicked the first ball for one, bringing Miller on strike. Miller then declined the single on the fifth ball, eyeing a match-winning blow. Prasidh Krishna’s yorker foxed him, and Kuldeep’s desperate scamper ended in tragedy.
On Star Sports analysis, Gavaskar dissected the moment with nuance. ‘Miller had full faith in his striking power. Look at how he was dominating earlier – 41 runs off 20 balls isn’t luck; it’s class.’ He conceded that rotating strike might have been safer but stressed, ‘Post-match wisdom is cheap. He backed himself because he knew he could deliver.’
Miller’s innings was a masterclass in pressure batting. After Rahul’s 92, DC looked down and out at 45 needed. Miller’s six on the fourth ball of the last over revived hopes, only for fate to intervene. Gavaskar lauded Prasidh’s execution too, calling it a ‘world-class ball.’
This encounter exemplifies T20’s unpredictability. Gujarat Titans cling to crucial points, while DC must regroup. Gavaskar’s stance reminds us: in high-stakes cricket, bold calls deserve respect, win or lose.
