Jesse Ryder opts for IPL over Kiwi comeback
Wellington, Jan. 28 (ANI)
New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has made himself unavailable for the upcoming series against England, and has instead opted for the Indian Premier League, as he is still not ready to commit to international cricket, according to his management.
Confirming Ryder's decision, his manager Aaron Klee said that Ryder will complete the domestic season for Wellington and then play in the IPL, if he gets selected in the player's auction, Stuff.co.nz reports.
Klee said that Ryder will be unavailable for any upcoming games against England, and hinted that a return to the New Zealand team is still far away.
According to Klee, Ryder has chosen IPL as a return to cricket because the Twenty20 series is a short-term contract and will help him reassess his choices, fitting better into his goals and plans, unlike international cricket.
Klee said that the 2011 IPL was a big challenge for Ryder and instrumental in bringing back his self-confidence. He added that there was nothing to gain by rushing Ryder back to international cricket, although the New Zealand Cricket is expecting him to come back soon.
Jamie Siddons, coach of the domestic team Wellington Firebirds, of which Ryder is a part, said that it would be interesting to see the level of compromise that will be reached between Ryder and New Zealand Cricket.
Ryder last played for New Zealand on February 2011, against South Africa in Napier, after which he was banned for one match for drinking while injured. He played for Pune Warriors in last year's IPL, with support from Klee and psychologist Karen Nimmo, then took time out of cricket and swore off alcohol.