'Why is Indian food so spicy?'

It’s not only the Pietersens and the Kallises who make up the armour of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. There are others too, like South African Roelof Erasmus van der Merwe, who on a given day can make a big difference to the proceedings in any Twenty20 arena.

It’s not the first time that Roelof has come to India. This young cricketer who’s a craze back home hasn’t seen much of India but says the only thing he has done so far is go to a zoo where he saw lions and tigers from close quarters. “I’ve been in India a few times but didn’t have much time to travel or go out sightseeing. I have been to a zoo or two. I went to see the tigers and lions. They are unbelievable animals,” he observes.

He’s bowled over by the cricket craze in the country, “It is difficult to come across such passionate crowds who cheer for their heroes, for every run that is scored, and for every wicket that falls. They are so emotional about their cricket,” Roelof told Metrolife.

It’s not just the cricketing craze that has caught his interest. Roelof loves Indian food. “The food in India is tasty but very spicy. My favourite would definitely be the Butter Chicken with Naan. I am just wondering why is the food so spicy?” he asks.

Roelof also loves all the action that happens off the field. The only thing that he’s weary about is the heat on the field, which he feels is unbearable at times.

The IPL experience has been rather adventurous and exciting for Roelof. The glamour of IPL is what attracts him the most.

He describes the IPL as high-adrenaline cricket on offer. “The atmosphere on the ground is electric with DJs, music and a live wire crowd cheering for teams from their cities,” he observes.

Roelof reasons that it is a great experience playing alongside legends like Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid. “They still have the same commitment and fire to go to the field, give the best and set an example. The youngsters are also coming up nicely, waiting to grab their chance,” he says and adds, “it’s great to see cricketers belonging to different backgrounds come together and play.”