India, South Africa a little bit stronger than all the teams: Ryan ten Doeschate

Ryan ten Doeschate thinks India are the favourites for the World Cup. In an interview with DNA, the Dutch & KKR all-rounder says he hopes to do well in IPL too.

Your name is a tongue-twister. Has anybody ever complained?
Ya. People get it wrong all the time. It’s very different for people who are not from Holland. It is a very different spelling but it’s quite easy actually.

Can you tell us something about your background?
I’ve been playing county cricket for eight years. I apply my trade in England. I have learnt all my cricket back in South Africa. I don’t get many chances to play on the world stage with Holland, but you know, when you do get the chance, you have to take it.

Why did you choose to play for Holland?
I have got a Dutch passport. It didn’t look like I was going to play for South Africa, so I made the decision when I was 25-26.

Did you ever aspire to play for South Africa?
Yes. I have wanted to, but I developed pretty late as a cricketer, so it was never really on the cards when I was growing up. The other explanation could be that when Jacques Kallis is there, South Africa do not need another all-rounder.

But you are such a good batsman, bowler and fielder. Why have you been in hiding for such a long time?
I’ve been into all sports. I like cricket, rugby, tennis and golf. I have been quite lucky to have a background in all these sports, it makes me quite athletic and like I have said, I have developed rather late in cricket. Otherwise, I could have been a much more recognised cricketer.

Then why did you choose cricket, why not rugby?
I was playing rugby along with cricket. I was playing at a very good level in South Africa and the chance to play professional cricket just came up, when Essex came and picked me.

You have cracked a century just when the ICC is planning to scrap small nations from the next WC.
There are two sides to the argument. Obviously, it’s important for the integrity of the tournament that you don’t have too many easy games up front but our performance against England and Ireland’s against Bangladesh will make the ICC reconsider their stance before the next World Cup.

How has life been since that magnificent hundred against England?
It’s been pretty special because I have been getting a lot of attention from the media during my training. Otherwise, there is nothing much different. I am not taking too much pressure, I really enjoy playing cricket. I don’t try and get too ahead of myself. I am just going to try to help my side in the World Cup and concentrate on the next five games

You almost beat England.
There were a lot of stages in the game when we thought we could win. And we should have won. So, that is a missed opportunity. But we at least made a good start now. We need to be more disciplined with the ball and should replicate our batting performance, then, we can probably beat one of the other teams.

Your big test could be against India.
It is going to be a tough game. I think India and South Africa are probably, with all due respect to England and West Indies, a little bit stronger than all the teams. It is going to be a challenge to go out there and play against all these awesome players.

You have raised the bar. There could be a lot of expectations from the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
I am delighted to play in the IPL. I am backing myself to play against all the serious players and it will be good for my confidence if I can give some good performances against some recognised players.

Where do you go from here?
Well, obviously in the coming weeks, I want to put up a good show for Holland in the World Cup and then, I go home to England for a couple of days. And then, I am back here for IPL.

Who are the favourites?
I think India are the favourites and judging by the way South Africa started, I think they have all departments covered, especially with three good spinners. So I think, India and South Africa are standout sides but I must say there are three or four other good teams who could win it.