Jesse Ryder doesn’t even have an IPL contract yet. However that’s not stopping the controversial New Zealand batsman from playing domestic cricket in favour of a return to the Black Caps side facing England next month.
It was originally thought by many that a return to the Black Caps for the upcoming England series in New Zealand was best for the dangerous 28-year-old.
Yet Ryder has surprised cricket fans with his decision to voluntarily be omitted from Black Caps selection.
I’ve planned a trip back home to coincide with the Black Caps taking on the Pommies and like most, was disappointed when I read the latest news on Ryder. Actually that’s not true, I was more annoyed (no refunds on my flights either dammit).
So I thought I’d call Ryder himself in order to hear the truth amidst the flurry of new rumours surrounding his future. I didn’t expect such a content man on the other end of the phone.
Speaking from Wellington, Ryder came across with an enthusiastic attitude I predict will only benefit his cricket in 2013.
“There was never really a choice between IPL or the Black Caps. The plans I had in place was always just to stick to domestic cricket, that was the plan we (with manager Aaron Klee) made when we first took time out from the game.
“It’s just unfortunate timing for the IPL season; it makes it look like I made a choice over the Black Caps, which was never the case.
“I haven’t really talked to anyone in the team yet, I’m just trying to concentrate on my own thing. I am really keen to get into the Black Caps scene again, it’s just now a matter of when the timing is right for me.
“Obviously it’s been pretty tough for me over the past few months; once everything dies down and I’ve got my fitness up to scratch, I’ll be keen to get back in there and get involved.”
It has been publicly noted Ryder took a self-imposed break from international cricket last March after another disciplinary lapse. The upside was the lapse had him cut ties immediately with alcohol and led to him working with a sports psychologist out of his own back pocket.
When pressed as to why there wasn’t a psychologist already available to cater to his needs through New Zealand Cricket, Ryder put it down to the unfortunate funding within camp.
“It’s really just a resources thing over here; we are pretty limited when it comes to stuff like that, thankfully the person I’m now working with is very good and has helped me out a lot,” Ryder said.
You only need to look at the hard-hitting performance of Ryder these past few months with the Wellington Firebirds to see he’s once again proving his worth, averaging 58.40 runs a game and earning him the most valuable player award of the HRV Cup (New Zealand’s domestic competition).
Not bad for a bloke who sits anxiously waiting to hear who will pick him up in the IPL auction this coming weekend.
“Yeah I’m still without a team, I’m back in the IPL auction this coming Sunday due to my old club (Pune Warriors) releasing me. My name will pop up and hopefully the bidding starts, bit of a nervous time awaiting the outcome,” Ryder said.
So has it been tough sitting back and watching the Black Caps create history with their recent one day international series win over South Africa?
“No not at all, it was good to see the boys come away with a series win after a pretty poor Test series against South Africa.”
Come on now Jesse, there must be some resentment over NZ Cricket dropping you faster than an Australian Test debutant?
“There isn’t, not anymore. I’m over all that. I’m ready to start the year with a clean slate so when I am back in there (the NZ squad) there is no added pressure,” said Ryder.
It’s also social media where Ryder finds himself in trouble at times. A man who clearly wears his heart on his sleeve, Ryder has at times been lashed by NZ Cricket management due to his opinionated Twitter updates, unlike Aussie spin king Shane Warne, whose Twitter tirades seemingly go without censure.
“Yeah I always get told off, that’s the luxury though for when you’re Warnie, he’s retired and obviously a passionate man so is free to come out and say it how it is,” said Ryder.
So will we ever see this weapon of a batsman in the black kit ever again?
“It is definitely a possibility. We will have the West Indies and India tour here at the end of the year so if all goes well then perhaps that will be more of a realistic goal for me.”
For New Zealand’s cricket future you would want to hope so.
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