SA20 will be good prep for the Proteas ahead of the T20 World Cup, says Royals captain David Miller

David Miller believes the upcoming Betway SA20 Season 4 will form a big part of the Proteas’ preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup next year.

The Proteas have only eight remaining T20Is before their T20 World Cup opener against Canada in Ahmedabad on February 9, 2026, starting with Tuesday’s clash against current champions India in Cuttack.

However, upon the Proteas’ return from India, the SA20 gets underway on Boxing Day at Newlands for a month-long T20 festival of cricket spread across six stadiums around the country.

Miller, who captains the Paarl Royals, feels the quality of the competition is a of a high standard and will help the Proteas fine-tune some individual skills.

“I think the standard in the competition in the SA20 is as high as any other league that you can get around the world,” he said.

“In terms of prep, I think the guys are going to be playing in front of packed houses, crowds back at home.

“The overseas players are all going to be in. So yeah, the guys will definitely be tested personally and individually and whatever it is. I think it's good enough prep.”

Miller has not played any international cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy back in March, but enjoyed a short stint in The Hundred in England before picking up a hamstring strain.

He has now fully recovered and eager to get back out on the park again for the Proteas.

“It's actually been an interesting couple of months for me,” Miller said. “Being out of the mix now, I was injured with my grade one hamstring and it was a bit niggly for a couple of months. Just being at home reflecting on a few things was really cool.

“I kind of moved into a different space with trying out different things with my body and tapping into a few different training regimes.

“It was actually a really good time away to reflect a bit. So I enjoyed it. You've got to take the positives from what's negative.

"It was really good. Obviously, I spent time with the family as well. I've got a little one now as well.

“There's a lot going on at home, which is great. I think in terms of body-wise, I'm 36 now and I'm feeling that I do have to step up off the field. I have to step up in a huge way in so many different ways, which is exciting.

“Being a lot more diligent and a lot more consistent in training and being as fit as I can is something that I'm going to focus on a lot. But I'm feeling strong. I'm feeling fit.

“I'm feeling ready to go!”