Rilee Rossouw has no regrets over Kolpak deal

Rilee Rossouw made four ducks in his first six ODI innings for South Africa. Despite a poor start, the top-order batsman was backed for his ability and went on to play 36 ODIs and 15 T20Is.

But at the start of 2017, Rossouw signed a Kolpak deal, ending his international career to sign up with English county club Hampshire. The decision drew fierce response from the then South Africa coach Russell Domingo.

However, the 29-year-old Rossouw has no qualms over his decision despite missing playing cricket for South Africa.

“It was a decision that was not made overnight‚” he was quoted as saying by Times Live on Wednesday. “I would like to stand here and tell you all the details but I don’t think it is the right time now to do that. I still have one year left on my contract in England and I have not come to think about what the future holds. As I stand here right now‚ I probably want to keep on extending.

“Obviously I do miss playing for the national team but it was a decision I made and I will stick with. I am happy and comfortable right now‚ I have learned from top quality players and how different people think.

Since his decision, Rossouw has turned out for various T20 leagues globally and feels that he has improved as a cricketer. “It has been busy since I moved to England. I have been playing a lot of cricket all around the world. I would like to think that I have improved as a cricketer,” he said.

Rossouw will represent Tshwane Spartans in the inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL) where he will be captained by AB de Villiers. “A week ago I was on holiday and now I am here. The moment they phoned me‚ I told them that I was available to play in his tournament. I am very excited but not 100 percent sure what to expect. I am here for a short time but I want to (leave a lasting impression)‚ that is something that I will try and do for the Spartans,” he said.