Paarl Royals captain David Miller believes that the upcoming SA20 Season Four will play a significant role in the Proteas’ preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka. South Africa have just eight T20Is remaining before the marquee event, beginning with a clash against current champions India in Cuttack, ahead of their match against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9, 2026.
Following the Proteas’ return from India, SA20 will get underway on Boxing Day at Newlands, kicking
off a month-long T20 festival held across six stadiums nationwide. Miller emphasised that the quality of the competition is exceptionally high and will help the Proteas fine-tune individual skills ahead of the World Cup.
“I think the standard in the competition in the SA20 is as high as any other league that you can get around the world. In terms of prep, I think the guys are going to be playing in front of packed houses, crowds back at home. The overseas players are all going to be in. So yeah, the guys will definitely be tested personally and individually and whatever it is. I think it's good enough prep,” said Miller as quoted by IOL.
The left-handed batter has not featured in international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy in March but had a brief stint in The Hundred in England before suffering a hamstring strain. He has now fully recovered and is eager to return to action for the Proteas.
“It's actually been an interesting couple of months for me. Being out of the mix now, I was injured with my grade one hamstring and it was a bit niggly for a couple of months. Just being at home reflecting on a few things was really cool,” said Miller.
“I kind of moved into a different space by trying out different things with my body and tapping into a few different training regimes. It was actually a really good time away to reflect a bit. So I enjoyed it. You've got to take the positives from what's negative,” he added.
Miller stated that he is feeling good after spending time with his family and is eager to contribute to the team in new ways at the crease. He added that improving his consistency will further strengthen his gameplay.
"It was really good. Obviously, I spent time with the family as well. I've got a little one now as well. There's a lot going on at home, which is great. I think in terms of body-wise, I'm 36 now and I'm feeling that I do have to step up off the field,” said Miller.
“I have to step up in a huge way in so many different ways, which is exciting. Being a lot more diligent and a lot more consistent in training and being as fit as I can is something that I'm going to focus on a lot. But I'm feeling strong. I'm feeling fit. I'm feeling ready to go!,” he added.
