Former India spinner Murali Kartik feels the Delhi Capitals (DC) batter David Miller should have trusted Kuldeep Yadav instead of refusing to take a single in the IPL 2026 match against the Gujarat Titans. The left-handed batter retained the strike for the last ball of the match, with 2 needed off 2. However, Kuldeep was run out, which resulted in Delhi’s defeat by 1 run at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Miller brought the Capitals back into the contest after scoring 23 runs in the 19th over, bowled by Mohammed Siraj. The equation came down to 2 runs in 2 deliveries, with Prasidh Krishna bowling well.
David Miller hit the ball towards the leg side but was denied a single to level the scores despite Kuldeep being ready to face the final ball.
Miller missed the ball completely and tried to take a bye. However, wicket-keeper Jos Buttler hit the stumps, with Kuleep short of the crease.
Murali Kartik mentioned that Kuldeep could have completed the task had Miller completed a single.
“He is not a No.11 player, who is not aware of batting. If the batter was useless with the bat, I would have understood Miller’s decision. Kuldeep had already taken a single, and Miller could have talked to him about what was needed. The opposition team was also under pressure because they had to save the single,” Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz.
Miller had earlier retired hurt because of a hand injury, but returned to resume his innings after Tristan Stubbs was run out.
Former India pacer Mohit Sharma also hit out at the Proteas star.
“Kuldeep could have scored one run. You had the option of leveling the scores, and you wouldn’t have lost from there on. It was important to achieve that target first. If six runs were needed in 2 balls, I can understand the decision, as Kuldeep is not a big hitter of the ball. But with just one required, Kuldeep could have completed the task,” Mohit said.
“Delhi lost the match because of this error by David Miller. If Miller had hit a six or a four on the last delivery, we wouldn’t have questioned his decision,” he added.
DC lost their first match of the 19th season of the league.
