JOIN USRilee Rossouw’s strike rate in one-day internationals is over 105 and it’s almost 143 in T20 internationals but with only four foreign players allowed to be in a playing 11, the South African youngster, more often than not, finds himself warming the bench given Royal Challengers Bangalore’s batting might.
The 25-year-old batsman, however, says he has learnt a lot of things just being part of the squad, picking up the finer things of the game. The left-handed batsman spoke to the media during RCB’s practice session here on Friday. Excerpts:
What are the lessons you have learnt from IPL?
Everywhere you travel as a cricketer you learn. There are guys who have been around here for years. Guys like Dan (Daniel Vettori) and ABD (Ab de Villiers), you learning a lot. It has made a huge impact on my career. It has improved my spinning game-- playing against spin -- immensely and also taking on the new ball. It has also helped me improve mentally as a cricketer. From an international perspective it has helped me deal with stress because 50 overs is much longer than 20. That helped me.
How tough it is to get into action immediately after the World Cup loss?
I think the sooner we play cricket the better. Honestly, most of the guys have already left it behind them that night. That particular night New Zealand played a better brand of cricket than us, unfortunately we ended up at the wrong end of it. It is in the past, so we can’t keeping looking back at it. It will always serve as a reminder.
Was it that easy leaving behind the World Cup loss?
I think because it was my first World Cup, it was a little bit easier. But I was feeling gutted for the senior players. Everyone in the side and the nation wanted us to do well in the World Cup. We also believed this year was our year. But to be honest, I think we have left it behind. The sun comes up tomorrow and cricket is not everything. We’ve got our families, so this is only a part of my life which I want to enjoy while I can. There are going to be ups and downs and it is about handling the downs and looking at the brighter side of the things.
Talk about the reception at home...
It was phenomenal. Everyone was very proud of what we did and achieved. At the same time you feel gutted for the nation. It was heartening to see how proud they were of us and how proud they made us feel. It makes me want to succeed more for my country. Earlier it was my pleasure to do well for my country now it is my resolve to do well.
What are the lessons you have learnt in India over the years?
Coming to India was a challenge. I wasn’t used to the culture and the way people operated. But every year you come here you learn. Now I’m getting along with a lot of Indian guys. There are a couple of jokers in the side. Iqbal (Abdulla) is a very funny guy. Varun Aaron and I get along (well). My family is here supporting me. My parents are also here taking care of the little one.