Cuttack, Dec 8 (NationPress) Veteran South African batsman David Miller has expressed his readiness to embrace any role assigned by head coach Shukri Conrad in the forthcoming T20I series against India, which kicks off at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack this Tuesday.

Miller returns to the squad for the T20I series against India after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the tour of Pakistan. He was part of the Proteas team that finished as runners-up to India in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup final held in Barbados.

“I have interacted with Shukri briefly before. Although we haven’t had extensive discussions yet, I believe that being back in the fold allows us to open those conversations and assess our current position. There are numerous new players emerging, creating a significant talent pool that is excelling,” he remarked.

“I believe I can contribute to the team with my wealth of experience and insights. However, in terms of selection, nothing is ever guaranteed. The selectors will have a challenging task ahead of them in deciding who to include,” he added.

“We’re in a great space with world-class talent at every level, and we must ensure we are fully focused for each game. The dialogue will unfold as time goes on, helping us understand where we stand,” Miller told reporters.

Calls have been made for Miller to take on a more significant role by batting higher in the order, but he indicated that clarity will emerge once Conrad defines his position in the lead-up to next year’s T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

“There isn’t a single formula for winning a World Cup; it requires a collective effort from both players and management. It’s all about rising to the occasion during critical moments. I believe Shuks is receptive to discussions. His door is always open, and we’ll talk about batting positions and my role as we progress,” he elaborated.

“These discussions are set for today. With many new roles and players coming in, as we approach the World Cup, it’s crucial to refine our strategy and solidify what he envisions for the tournament,” he added.

“It will be intriguing to see how this conversation develops. I am confident in my ability to perform in various batting positions, whether it be at the top or middle order, given my experience,” he concluded.

Miller ended with a reflection on the anxiety of being reintegrated into the Proteas setup after a hiatus and the adjustments he made at 36 to maintain peak fitness. “It’s been a long time since my last game in the Champions Trophy earlier this year,” he shared. “I just arrived two days ago and met the team yesterday for the first time. I’m eager to get involved and contribute wherever I can.”

“At 36, I recognize the need to enhance my efforts off the field in various ways, which excites me. I am focused on being more disciplined and consistent in my training,” he added.