Gujarat's star batter David Miller could miss Indian T20 League 2023

The defending champions and new entrants of last year in the Indian T20 League, Gujarat are in big trouble ahead of their tournament opener against Chennai. Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat will lock horns with Chennai in the inaugural match of the Indian T20 League 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Star South African player David Miller is set to miss the first match against Chennai in Ahmedabad due to his commitments with the national side of South Africa. The proteas will play against the Netherlands in the white-ball series. Although, this news didn’t go pleasing with the management of Gujarat just ahead of a big opening game.

"They were really upset. It's always a big thing playing in Ahmedabad, especially in an opening game against Chennai. I am a bit disappointed to be missing that, but to put on the green and gold has always been a huge privilege and honor,” said Miller in a press conference ahead of the series against the Netherlands.

Here's what David Miller said further about his absence

“And we have got some work to do in those two games against the Netherlands, so I think having a strong team - the best squad we can pick - is definitely the way forward. I will be missing one game so, whether I'm somewhat disappointed or not, the process has taken place,” he added later.

Notably, the other South African players who will miss the Indian T20 League due to national duty will be Hyderabad skipper Aiden Markram and his Hyderabad teammates Heinrich Klassen, and Marco Jansen. The list further includes Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Quinton De Kock, and Kagiso Rabada.

Notably, it would be the first edition of the Indian T20 League after a gap of a couple of years; which will be played in the format of matches both at away and home grounds for the teams.