David Miller says the Gujarat Titans were “really upset” when told he would miss their opening match of the 2023 IPL against the Chennai Super Kings on 31 March.

Miller will instead be playing for the Proteas against the Netherlands in two ODI matches they must win to stand a chance of qualifying directly for the World Cup in India later this year.

“The Titans were really upset. It’s always a big thing playing in Ahmedabad,” Miller said in a press conference ahead of the third ODI between the Proteas and West Indies in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

“We weren’t given an option in any way [to choose between the IPL and national duty]. Be that as it may, we’ve got our best squad on the park and we’ve got a lot of work to do in those two games, so it will be nice to be able to focus on that.

“I’m a bit disappointed to be missing that [IPL opener], but to put on the green and gold has always been a huge privilege and honour,” he added.

“We have got some work to do in those two games against Netherlands, so I think having a strong team, the best squad that we can pick, is definitely the way forward.

“I will be missing one game so whether I’m somewhat disappointed or not, the process has taken place.”