10 Jesse Ryder facts that you didn't know

10 Jesse Ryder facts that you didn’t know: Jesse Ryder, the flamboyant New Zealand cricketer, has done a lot more outside the field than as an ace cricketer. He could have been one of the most magnificent batsmen and part-time bowler of the present Kiwi team had he stayed more focused and dedicated on his game.

Ryder’s case is a classical tale of a talent that got wasted with no apparent reason at all. He has amassed 1269 runs with 3 tons and 6 fifties in 18 Tests at an average of around 41 with 5 wickets to his credit. He also represented Kiwi team in 48 ODIs, scoring 1362 runs with 3 hundreds and 6 fifties at an average of around 33. He also has 12 wickets in the 50-over format.

1. Small career, big controversies: Jesse Ryder can be aptly described as the angry young man of the tranquil New Zealand. Until now, he has just played 18 Tests and 48 ODIs despite his association with New Zealand cricket team for the last 7 years. More than Cricket, his behavior off the field has hogged more media limelight’s.

2. Contrary views of experts on Ryder: The Wellington-born batsman has the ability to accelerate the pace of his batting as per need of the team. However, Adam Parore, former Kiwi wicket-keeper, underestimated Ryder (in his initial days) by saying he was not fit to play for New Zealand due to his weight in 2008. But, Sir Richard Hadlee opined that Ryder could easily score big runs at the start of the innings in both ODIs and Tests with McCullum.

3. Fairytale IPL debut: Jesse Ryder entered the IPL in 2009 in a glorious fashion as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) signed him for 160,000 USD just within a year of his maiden ODI match. But, at the end of the tournament he scored just 56 runs out of the 5 matches that he played.

4. Mysterious Break: Though, Jesse Ryder didn’t announce his official retirement but he mysteriously preferred keeping himself out of international matches for the period 2012-2014. He cited injury and some other personal reasons for the same.

5. McCullum’s tough words: Brendon McCullum also seemed circumspect about Ryder. In 2012, during Ryder’s indefinite break from cricket, McCullum the then Kiwi captain had stated that Ryder would have to re-earn respect within the New Zealand team and prove his commitment to make his return to the national side.

Also Read – Top 10 Fastest centuries (by balls received) in Recognized cricket

6. The bar brawl: Jesse Ryder can never forget 2013. This was the year when he went to coma and luckily escaped the inescapable. According to media reports, Ryder was severely beaten by some guys outside Christchurch bar on 28th March 2013. He was reported to have injured his head but the Kiwi cricketer returned his consciousness after 3 days with an announcement that his skull was not fractured – a big relief to his fans and well-wishers.

7. 6 months ban: When Jesse Ryder was about to play for his country after returning from coma, he again encountered a controversy by unintentionally consuming a banned substance. The New Zealand cricket banned him for half a year due to it.

8. Fastest ODI hundred: Jesse Ryder entered record book when he smashed a ton off just 46 balls against West Indies in 2014 to become the seventh fastest century scorer in ODI history.

9. Awards and honors: In his short cricket career, Jesse has won 4 Man-Of-the-Match trophies. He won MOM award in Test while the remaining 3 awards came from his ODI performances. He was declared New Zealand Cricket Almanack Player of the Year 2009.

10. Excelled as a bowler: For the fast time ever, Jesse Ryder was able to bowl up to his full potential. In a county match against Glamorgan last match the bulky all-rounder picked up 10 wickets in the match to demonstrate his lethal bowling skills too. He is currently representing Essex team in county cricket.