After India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in a T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match, a viral reel shot by social media influencer RJ Princy Parikh featuring David Miller gained traction. Miller, South Africa’s top scorer, hit a blistering 63 off just 35 balls, helping the Proteas reach a formidable 187/7 in 20 overs. Despite their efforts, India narrowly missed the target by a mere 76 runs. Following the match in Ahmedabad, Parikh shared a video on her social media platforms, expressing her admiration for Miller with the caption, “David Miller! What a player.” In the video, Parikh was seen playfully encircling Miller, and the caption within the video read, “I thought we were friends, David.” However, Parikh later alleged that she received disturbing rape threats and was subjected to body-shaming after the reel was released. As a result, she was forced to delete the reel from her Facebook account. Nevertheless, the video reel remains accessible on her Instagram account. Parikh has expressed her intention to file a police complaint regarding the threats she faced.
Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised South Africa’s composure under pressure after their victory over India in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He highlighted the match-winning contributions of David Miller and Dewald Brevis. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan noted how the Proteas recovered after losing three early wickets. He credited India pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his impactful spell before Miller shifted the momentum. Pathan explained that Miller, who had played six World Cups, seemed determined to make his comeback in Ahmedabad in this big stadium after missing out in the World Cup final. He achieved this with a half-century innings at the exact moment the team needed him the most. Miller’s composed half-century steadied the South African innings at a critical point, turning the game in the Proteas’ favor after early setbacks.
Pathan also praised Brevis for his maturity in handling the situation, especially after the Proteas were reduced to three wickets down. He highlighted Brevis’ 45-run innings and his partnership with Miller as pivotal in the match’s outcome. “Brevis’ 45-run innings was crucial. Without that partnership, South Africa wouldn’t have won the match at all. It was a mature innings. Initially, when three wickets had fallen, he played cautiously. Usually, Brevis would come and play big shots immediately. However, as a batsman with a strike rate of 180, he took a bit of time initially, built the partnership, and that partnership provided South Africa with much-needed stability,” he added.