Jesse Ryder: Conquering his inner demons

It’s not just about being a player. It’s about being a role model, a celebrity, a brand and even an icon. Being a cricketer is like the sixes the batsmen hit – it goes way beyond the boundaries of the ground. And let’s not forget the other side of it, the more personal side, the side which shows that cricketers are human beings too. And like all other mere mortals who are not under scrutiny at all times, they have personal demons that can, and mostly will, creep into their professional lives. So what happens when a cricketer with immense potential goes down the wild path?

Jesse Ryder, an all rounder with talent, has seen more than his share of problems – physical and emotional. As expected in any sport, he has been held back on multiple occasions by injuries. But the damage to his reputation and form has been caused more by his disciplinary indiscretions. A drinking session followed by smashing his hand through a glass window in February of 2008 ended his 2007/08 season. Another early morning drinking session and missed practices cost him the fourth ODI against West Indies in early 2009, while a groin injury kept him from playing the Champions Trophy in September the same year. Adding to the injury was his unruly behavior on his dismissal which earned him a charge of misconduct. While he missed the tour of South Africa in August 2010 due to an elbow injury, he came under the limelight for another intoxication charge.

But in spite of his setbacks, Ryder has shown progress. Some credit goes to his team mates who have shown faith in him. As then CEO of New Zealand Cricket Justin Vaughan had said, they see long term potential in him; and instead of letting him go until he can recover and return, they want to be part of the solution. Ryder himself has become aware of his problems and has been making conscious efforts to kick his bad habits over the past few years, albeit with relapses.

At the beginning of March 2012, Ryder took a self imposed sabbatical from cricket, pulling out from Wellington’s squad, to sort out personal issues. The IPL 2012 saw his surprise return to the field where he’s playing for the Pune Warriors India. He’s accompanied by his support team – manager Aaron Klee and psychologist Karen Nimmo. But a question arises: Is he ready to be back?

I put forth some questions to ardent PWI fans. One: What is it that Jesse Ryder brings to the team? Two: Is he displaying his true and full potential? Three: Will his past transgressions and sabbatical have any effect on him? Four: Is he invaluable to the team?

The consensus is that Jesse Ryder brings ‘solidarity’ to the team. He’s a splendid contributor in their wins and can be ‘devastatingly good’ when he’s at his best. But while he’s been in good form more often than not lately, he can still do better. He has the capability and experience to play hard and fast, but without the clumsy craze that is frequently evident in T20 hitters. And his fielding and bowling are, interestingly, seen as a definite positive.

As far as his personal issues are concerned, not many people are aware of the extent of his problems or even his sabbatical. According to PWI fans, the only personal problem that could affect him is his weight. A little on the chubby side for a cricketer, his weight might be a cause for concern. What is obvious though is that he seems relaxed on the field and nothing seems to be bogging him down. As mentioned by one of the fans, his sabbatical may have even saved him from a burn out and he’s back in better form than he was seen in during IPL 2011.

Although some may disagree, Ryder is quite invaluable to PWI. His international experience, powerful batting and more than decent bowling and fielding have made him a great contributor. If he perseveres with the form he’s been displaying, he can be one of the catalysts of Pune’s success. All he needs to do is continue to transcend his inner demons.