'We trust in David Miller, he has shown character' - DC head coach Hemang Badani hits back at critics after narrow win vs RCB

Published - 21 Apr 2026, 15:29 IST | Updated - 21 Apr 2026, 16:01 IST

Delhi Capitals (DC) 's David Miller has been in the news over the last couple of weeks for his batting performances and decision-making in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

On April 8, the Capitals lost to the Gujarat Titans by one run. Miller had refused a single to keep strike when two runs were required off the last two balls. Kuldeep Yadav was his batting partner at the other end. On the last ball, Kuldeep was run-out by Jos Buttler as the Axar Patel-led side lost by one run.

Miller faced severe criticism for not trusting his partner and for turning down the single, which would have tied the match. However, the South African legend redeemed himself in the Capitals' last game, which was against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18. With 13 runs required off the last four balls, Miller went berserk, as he hit Romario Shepherd for two sixes and a four to seal the match.

DC head coach Hemang Badani lauded Miller's strong character as he bounced back emphatically, despite facing flak for his decision-making against the Titans.

“I still believe that he has taken the right call. We trust in you. And he has literally shown us the faith within two games. I understand that everyone has an opinion. But to come out of that, I think he has shown character. And I think the world sees that he is somebody who can finish games. He has done that in the past. And we believe in him," Badani was quoted as saying by India Today.

Badani asserted that the team management, captain Axar Patel, and the other players had fully backed Miller even after the gut-wrenching defeat to Gujarat.

“If you go back and see the visuals and the way we backed him even after that one-run loss, the conversation from the captain to the coach, to the management, to the players was straightforward. It is absolutely okay, it can happen,” he added.