Jesse Ryder is the second leading run-scorer for Pune Warriors India in IPL 5 © AFP
By CricketCountry Staff
New Delhi: Apr 30, 2012
New Zealand captain Ross Taylor, who is playing for Delhi Daredevils, is keeping a close eye on the performance of his countrymen in this IPL, especially on the troubled Jesse Ryder.
Ryder had earlier taken an indefinite break from cricket to resolve his alcohol-related problems, and was also dropped from the New Zealand side for few games against South Africa last month.
The left-handed batsmen however managed to fly to India, playing for the Pune Warriors.
Ryder has flown to take part in the cash rich Twenty20 league along with his manager Aaron Klee and clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo.
The New Zealand captain hopes Ryder would stay focused in the tournament and even in the future.
“We’re still waiting on Jesse. As long as he keeps improving, if he can show he can do that (scoring) for a consistent period of time, he will be back in the team,” Taylor told Hindustan Times.
“I had a brief chat with him, Jesse is a pretty relaxed type of character. I haven’t talked to the selectors. He’s still got a bit to go. If he continues on the upward spiral, he is not far away.”
“Some of the players won’t get much of a go in other parts like the (English) county, they are getting their chance here,” he added.
Cricket New Zealand had earlier declared that they won’t gamble by picking Ryder for the West Indies tour, starting in June.
