Bavuma says SA won't 'stifle or restrict' Miller as Proteas return to India

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma hopes that hard-hitting batter David Miller can continue his Indian Premier League (IPL) form for South Africa. 

'Killer' Miller had a phenomenal IPL season for the Gujarat Titans as he scored 481 runs in 16 games at an IPL-high average of 68.71.

Miller ended as the second-highest South African run-scorer behind Lucknow Super Giants' Quinton de Kock, who notched up 508 runs (including a century and three half-centuries) in his 15 IPL games.

Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball as he finished third-highest wicket-taker of the IPL, capturing 23 wickets in 13 games for the Punjab Kings.

This past weekend, Miller starred in the IPL final against the Rajasthan Royals as he scored an unbeaten 32 to guide the Titans to their maiden title. 

Miller, who is the most capped T20 player in the Proteas team, will now rejoin the national set-up as South Africa face India in five T20Is from 9-19 June.

Bavuma was happy with the South African showing at the IPL and hopes that they can replicate the form in the green and gold with a busy schedule ahead.

"It's always good to have guys that are in form. Like David lifting the trophy for the Gujarat Titans, the confidence that he'll bring to the team and the other guys also had good performances in the competition," Bavuma told reporters on Tuesday.

"Every game and series, we will use to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Conditions are obviously different as it's in Australia, but matches are matches.

"But being in a competitive space is what the guys need, we don't have that luxury of resting players so whomever the opposition is, we'll be using it to our advantage.

"I know India are resting their main players, but I still think it'll be a competitive one."