Kings XI Punjab have appointed South African star batsman David Miller as their new captain for the 9th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Congratulations @DavidMillerSA12! #CaptainMiller #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #IPL pic.twitter.com/uTIi09j14p

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) February 9, 2016

The 26-year-old, who scored 1,319 runs in 47 IPL matches at an average of 42.55, will lead the the Punjab franchise for the first time since he joined the team in season 4 (2011).

Miller said: “I am honoured to lead the Kings XI Punjab squad this year. I would like to thank the franchise, promoters, management and all the team members for the confidence they have in me.”

“Kings XI have assembled an exciting squad with a good mixture of youth and experience and I am really looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead.”

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta Tweeted:

The new captain for #Kxip is @DavidMillerSA12 Congratulations Dave 👏Looking forward to a great season with the #kxipsquad #killermiller 👍

— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) February 9, 2016

The 9th edition of the India’s most popular T20 format Indian Premier League starts on April 9.