David Miller suffers injury blow as South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 prep takes a hit

David Miller reports injured ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 [Image Credits: X]

After facing several injury woes in the recent days ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa have been dealt another massive blow. David Miller is suffering from a suspected groin injury, sustained during an SA20 2025–26 match on Monday.

Miller picked up the injury while fielding for Paarl Royals in their game against Joburg Super Kings. He was forced to leave the field suddenly in the 16th over and did not return to bat during Royals’ run chase.

South Africa in danger after David Miller blow

While the full extent and nature of the injury remain unclear, it will require further medical assessment to determine how serious the issue is.

David Miller himself admitted that he is unsure about the severity of the injury, which is far from ideal for both the player and the team.

"I don't know, we'll see tomorrow when I pick up. Obviously not ideal," said Miller on his injury.

This development puts South Africa in a difficult position, as Miller becomes the third member of their T20 World Cup squad to suffer an injury, with just over two weeks remaining before the tournament begins on February 7.

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Earlier, Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira were also reported injured and are currently nursing fitness concerns, with no clear timelines for their return.

These setbacks have strengthened the case for Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, two promising South African prospects who were overlooked in the initial World Cup squad selection.

Both players possess significant batting firepower and can operate either at the top of the order or in the No. 5 or No. 6 slots, making them potential replacements for Miller, who is usually a destructive presence in T20Is.

David Miller set to miss golden opportunity

Notably, David Miller made his T20I comeback for South Africa after nearly nine months during the series against India. Prior to December 2025, his last appearance in the format was the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

The explosive left-handed batter experienced mixed form in the SA20 League, scoring 196 runs from nine innings at an average of 32.67.

In T20 internationals overall, Miller has featured in 133 matches, scoring 2,630 runs at a strike rate in the 140s and an average of 32.88. His record includes eight half-centuries and two centuries in the format.

Injury woes of Miller

However, injuries have been a recurring issue throughout Miller’s career since 2017. In February that year, he suffered a finger injury, and he also missed a couple of weeks of the IPL 2024 season due to a minor setback.

In January 2025, Miller dealt with a groin niggle, which raises fresh concern as he has now reported a similar injury in his latest outing.

Just ahead of his SA20 injury on October 23, 2025, Miller had also confirmed a Grade 1 hamstring tear, which forced him to miss South Africa’s white-ball tour of Pakistan, where he was set to serve as stand-in captain.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching, David Miller’s fitness will be closely monitored. He remains one of South Africa’s most dangerous finishers, and his availability could play a crucial role in boosting the team’s chances of reaching the playoffs.