David Miller injury concern: can Paarl Royals survive upcoming SA20 eliminator?

The Paarl Royals will be praying that David Miller is fit for Thursday’s Eliminator against the Joburg Super Kings at SuperSport Park.

Miller picked up a groin injury while fielding during the first innings of Monday’s final round-robin match. The Royals were up against the Super Kings in a fixture they needed to win to avoid the longer, more fatiguing route of playing the Eliminator on Thursday, the Qualifier on Friday, and then a potential final two days later on Sunday.

In Miller's absence, the Royals did not look at their best, leaking runs after their captain left the field.

The "Men in Pink" missed him even more during the run chase, as the 36-year-old’s experience would have brought calm to a pursuit that demanded it. Instead, the batting unit succumbed to scoreboard pressure, leading to a 45-run loss and a third-place finish in the standings.

Miller's injury is not only a concern for Paarl Royals coach Trevor Penney, but also for South Africa’s convenor of selectors Patrick Moroney and head coach Shukri Conrad. His experience will be invaluable for the Proteas in the upcoming 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India next month.

Conrad and Moroney already have the headache of the uncertainty surrounding Donovan Ferreira, who recently picked up a shoulder injury.

Should Miller be unavailable on Thursday, the Royals will likely turn to England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler to lead the side in the knockout clash.