South African Batter Rilee Rossouw has made an interesting statement regarding the IPL player auction. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Rilee Rossouw has stated that he is expecting a bidding war for him in the auction between his former team Delhi Capitals, and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The SA batter made a comeback to the rich T20 league in the previous season after 8 years. He couldn’t replicate his international form in the IPL ending with 209 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate just below 150. Following a disappointing tournament Delhi Capitals has released as many as 11 players from their squad and will look to build a good one for IPL 2024. Rishabh Pant who has the previous season will be making a comeback this season and will be leading the side.
It doesn’t matter who I play for- Rilee Rossouw
Rossouw, who is a well-known name in the T20 circuit had a rather disappointing 2023. He started the year well scoring 453 at 45.30 in the PSL but didn’t fare well since. He is currently with the Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Speaking to Times, Rossouw said
“Don’t have a particular thing in mind. I think Delhi Capitals was really good to me last year. We had a solid camaraderie around the team. But in saying that, I did well with the Knights team in the American League,” said Rilee Rossouw.
So it would be nice if it would be a little bit of a bidding war. I mean, that would be ideal for myself. Like at the end of the day, doesn’t matter who I play for. I want to do well for whichever franchise I’m picked,” he stated.
He was picked by DC in the previous season at 4.6 crores. He was also a part of the Knights family representing LA Knights Riders in the Major League Cricket this year. His stocks rose before after a smashing hundred against India just before the auction and will be hoping to repeat similar heroics in the ongoing T10 league in Abu Dhabi.
When asked about the difference between IPL and other t20 leagues he said that in IPL everything is done on a bigger scale with more funds and passionate fans. He stated that it is one of the best leagues around the globe.
“I think IPL does everything on a bigger canvas. Everything’s bigger and better there as they say. It’s just glamorous from the outside. They spend so much money on marketing, in getting the fans in which is fantastic to see as a player. The fans love their cricket. So it’s fantastic to see that and how it’s been consistent over what’s it been like 20 years (16) of it. So it is probably one of the best leagues,” he added.
When you talk about T10, you just think you’re gonna slam every ball- Rossouw on T10 league.
Rilee Rossouw who is currently with the Delhi Bulls in the ongoing T10 league has said that everyone thinks that T10 leagues will consist of flat pitches and every ball is going to smash around. He said that the pitches this time around have not been batter-friendly and always have something in it for the bowlers.
“It has been doing a lot more than what it has in the previous seven seasons. I was actually making a joke with the boys about the same. I mean, after seven years, I’m sure the bowlers can have one season where the ball does a bit. This was something that we weren’t expecting, to be honest. When you talk about T10, you just think you’re gonna slam every ball, the wickets are going to be nice and flat, and you’re gonna have a good time but it’s not been the case this year,” he said.
Answering what would a batter do when the ball does a bit in a format like T10
Rossouw has expressed that playing more orthodox shots and not trying too much fancy will help in getting runs.
“You need to adjust your game a bit. Try and play more conventional shots, get behind the line a bit more but you’ve got to stay positive. You can’t just let the an over go by because it’s moving a bit off the surface,” he further added.
On his hopes for the upcoming T20 World Cup
Rossouw last played for South Africa against the West Indies in March earlier this year. He hasn’t been picked for the home series against India but the left-hander said that he is in regular touch with the team staff and is confident that he will be playing in the T20 World Cup in June 2024 if he performs well.
“I’ve been in touch with the coach and I’m still in his ideas, whether I play in the leagues or not. So without thinking much I just want to perform and do well wherever and whatever the changes I might get. At the end of the day, if I score and they don’t select me, it is out of my control. The selectors do their job. They want to always keep getting the best South African team out in the park,” said Rilee Rossouw.
Expecting a tight contest between the two teams- Rossouw on the upcoming Ind vs SA series
When asked about South Africa’s squad for the upcoming matches against India Rossouw said that he feels SA has some great talent and hopes the youngsters use this opportunity and do well for the country.
“He’s (Markram) a great man on and off the field. With regards to the youngsters coming through, there’s some really good talent in South Africa, I’m glad they’re getting the opportunity to play because that opportunity doesn’t come around often. And I hope they do well. So it does put a little bit of a headache in the selector’s mind for the upcoming World Cups, especially with our old guys that are now looking at the other side of the hills,” said Rilee Rossouw.
When asked about who is going to have the upper hand in the series, he said
“I got to believe in South Africa. they will have an advantage. But I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a couple of Indian fans rocking up to the grounds and not wearing green which I think is things gonna be crazy. It’s going to be evenly matched,” he added.
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