“Can David Miller play?” – Suresh Raina on DC’s possible XI vs CSK in IPL 2026

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has opined that Delhi Capitals (DC) may need David Miller in their IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The two sides are set to face off in Match 48 on Tuesday, May 5 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Miller featured in the first eight games for DC, scoring 123 runs in seven innings at an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 146.42. However, he was dropped for the previous game against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Speaking on the Star Sports segment ‘Game Plan,’ Raina questioned whether Miller could be brought back into the XI. He noted that Ashutosh Sharma has been performing well, while Sameer Rizvi had also chipped in with a couple of fifties earlier in the season. However, he added that the left-hander could be crucial against spinners like Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad. He said:

“Can David Miller play? He looked in good form but was dropped. In the middle order, I feel Ashutosh is doing well. Rizvi has also contributed a couple of important knocks. But still, David Miller is needed there. Against CSK, where Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad might bowl around eight overs of spin, what impact can be made there along with Ashutosh Sharma? Stubbs is already there. But the reason Miller was picked is because his batting can be game-changing in such conditions, and he can make a huge impact there.”

Miller has featured in 149 IPL matches, scoring 3,200 runs at an average of 35.95 and a strike rate of 138.88, including 13 fifties and one century.

“One change can be made” – Suresh Raina suggests key CSK lineup tweak

In the same discussion, Suresh Raina noted that CSK could consider bringing in Akeal Hosein in place of Prashant Veer to bowl against the likes of KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka. He further suggested that after the powerplay, Noor Ahmad could be introduced, while Jamie Overton and Anshul Kamboj have also been in fine form. He said:

“But one change can be made. Instead of Prashant Veer, you can bring in Akeal Hosein on that wicket when Pathu Nissanka and KL Rahul come to open. Then after the powerplay, you can bring in Noor Ahmad. Overton is in good form. Anshul Kamboj, the way he is executing his plans, his line, length, and seam position have already made him one of the top five bowlers. He is already in the Purple Cap leaderboard.”

Hosein has featured in four matches this season for CSK, taking six wickets at an average of 18.16, a strike rate of 13.6 and an economy of 7.97, with best figures of 4/17.