Proteas batsman David Miller has opened up about what it takes to survive – and thrive – in the IPL, even as he nears the end of his playing days.

At 36, Miller remains one of the competition’s most reliable finishers. In his first season with the Lucknow Super Giants, his 153 runs from 11 innings – six of them not out – came at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 127, often rescuing his side from difficult situations at No 6.

A veteran of 14 IPL seasons with four different franchises and more than 3,000 runs, Miller told SportsBoom.co.za that the league’s competitiveness still pushes him to perform.

“It’s really tough to be honest with you. There are obviously only four overseas players per team, and it can be challenging. The great challenge is you have to step up to the plate – end of chat. You have to perform, you have to put numbers on the board. That kind of brings the best out of me. I really enjoy that aspect of the IPL.”

Miller believes his experience with South Africa and years in Indian conditions have helped him adapt and remain relevant.

“The experience of playing for South Africa and being able to play in India for so many years has helped. You start getting used to the conditions and adapt to that. From my experience, it’s about adapting and staying with the game – or creating something new.”

For Miller, constant improvement remains the key.

“There’s a reason you’re playing there and a reason you got there. So just back the processes and keep finding ways to get better.”

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