T20 World Cup 2026: David Miller in doubt for South Africa after SA20 injury
Miller, a key member of the Proteas’ white-ball setup and a player with full of experience, especially in Indian conditions, picked up a suspected groin injury while fielding.
South Africa have been dealt another blow in their preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with senior power hitter David Miller forced off the field due to injury in the ongoing SA20 2025-26, compounding an already growing list of fitness issues ahead of the marquee event.
Miller, a key member of the Proteas’ white-ball setup and a player with plenty of experience, especially in the subcontinent conditions, picked up a suspected groin injury while fielding for the Paarl Royals against the Joburg Super Kings. He was visibly hurt during the game and eventually left the field in the 16th over, subsequently missing out on his chance to bat in the Royals’ chase.
The full severity of Miller’s injury is still being assessed, but the timing couldn’t be worse for South Africa, whose T20 World Cup campaign is beckoning. With a little over a fortnight left in the commencement of the twenty-team tournament, any significant injury concerns for Miller would add pressure on an already injury-affected South African squad.
Reacting after the match, Miller was candid about his condition when asked how he felt following the incident on the field.
“I don’t know, we’ll see tomorrow when I pick up. Obviously not ideal,” he said.
Miller’s setback is the latest in a string of injury concerns for the Proteas. All-rounder Donovan Ferreira is also in serious doubt for the World Cup after suffering a suspected fractured shoulder injury during the franchise-based T20 tournament, and Tony de Zorzi is still working his way back from a hamstring issue he picked up in December.
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South Africa faces Canada in the opening encounter
The Proteas now face a real fight to finalise a fully fit squad for the T20 World Cup, with squad balance and finishing options under the spotlight if Miller, one of their most destructive batsmen, is ruled out. The 2024 finalists will kick off their campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad. They will also face Afghanistan, the UAE, and New Zealand from Group D during the league stage.
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