IPL 2026: Gavaskar Supports Miller’s Bold Call to Decline Single in Thrilling One-Run Loss

Key Takeaways

Sunil Gavaskar supports David Miller 's decision to decline a single.

The match ended in a thrilling one-run defeat for Delhi Capitals .

Miller scored an impressive 41 off 20 balls.

The final ball resulted in a crucial run-out.

The game showcased the pressure of making split-second decisions.

New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of David Miller for declining a single during the tense finale of the Delhi Capitals' narrow one-run defeat. Gavaskar remarked that Miller's self-belief in his ability to conclude the game should not be subject to criticism.

The electrifying match between DC and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium reached a nail-biting climax, with Miller's quick decision on the second last ball being pivotal to the outcome.

With only two runs required from the final two balls, Miller hit the ball into the deep but chose not to take a single that would have given Kuldeep Yadav the next ball. This decision turned out to be crucial, as the last delivery resulted in a run-out, granting Gujarat a hard-fought victory.

Reflecting on this moment, Gavaskar acknowledged that a different choice might have been more prudent, but he highlighted the significance of Miller's current form and confidence.

“Yes, he had faith in his ability to score the winning runs, but considering how Kuldeep had managed to sneak a single off the first ball, perhaps he should have let Kuldeep take the strike,” Gavaskar stated during his commentary on Star Sports.

He quickly pointed out that evaluating such decisions with the benefit of hindsight can be misleading. “It's easy to be wise after the fact, but the reality is that given Miller's impressive performance in the overs prior, he genuinely believed he could achieve it. Therefore, you cannot fault his confidence. Unfortunately, the last ball bowled by Prasid Krishna was outstanding,” Gavaskar added.

Miller, returning after a brief injury, nearly turned the match in Delhi's favor with an explosive 41 runs off just 20 balls. His late-game aggression started post the dismissal of KL Rahul, with Delhi needing 45 runs in the final three overs.

Taking control, Miller struck boundaries and sixes against Mohammed Siraj in the penultimate over, keeping the chase alive. He followed this up with a massive hit off Prasidh Krishna in the last over, reducing the target to just two runs from the final two balls.

However, the dramatic conclusion saw Prasidh deliver an effectively disguised final ball that Miller failed to connect with, leading to Kuldeep being run out while trying for a second run, capping off an exhilarating match.

Point of View

It is evident that while David Miller's decision to decline the single was risky, it stemmed from a place of confidence in his abilities. The nature of high-stakes sports often leads to split-second decisions that can define outcomes, and this particular moment showcased both the challenges and excitement inherent in the game.

NationPress

20 Jun 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What was David Miller's decision during the match?

David Miller chose not to take a single in a crucial moment during the final overs of the game, opting instead to attempt to finish the match himself.

How did Sunil Gavaskar react to Miller's choice?

Sunil Gavaskar defended Miller's decision, highlighting his confidence and form, while also acknowledging that hindsight could suggest a different approach might have been wiser.

What was the outcome of the match?

Delhi Capitals lost to Gujarat Titans by one run, with a dramatic finish that included a run-out on the final ball.

What impact did Miller have in the match?

Miller played a significant role, scoring 41 runs off 20 balls and leading a late charge for Delhi Capitals before the unfortunate run-out.

Where did the match take place?

The match was held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.