Reformed Ryder faces new challenge

Black Caps no win summer

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Jesse Ryder has departed the relatively cocooned environment of New Zealand's cricket team for the temptations of the IPL today, although management has faith the erratic allrounder will thrive in South Africa.

Ryder faces a significant behavioural test when he joins the Bangalore Royal Challengers for the second edition of the transplanted Twenty20 competition.

The 24-year-old's off-field antics have only recently been eclipsed by his deeds in the middle, with a superb series against India earning Ryder acclaim for his undoubted talent with bat and ball.

He compiled his maiden one-day and test hundreds against India and then made a sublime 201 during the second test in Napier. He also had an uncanny knack of breaking partnerships with his medium pacers.

Ryder, whose disciplinary record leaves something to be desired, survived the summer relatively unscathed although he was suspended for the fourth one-day international against the West Indies at Auckland in January after missing a team meeting.

But his second season in the New Zealand team was an improvement on his debut against England in 2007-08, best remembered for his alcohol-fuelled altercation with a toilet door in Christchurch after the final one-dayer.

The resulting hand injury required surgery and denied Ryder a possible test debut at Lord's in England last May.

Since his sleep-in during the West Indies visit, Ryder has publicly been on his best behaviour but the relaxed environment of the IPL represents a stern test of his self control.

The fact Ryder has been acquired by a franchise owned by Indian beer baron Dr Vijay Mallya may also be ominous.

Indian media covering the just completed tour said the Ryder was deliberately targeted by Mallya in the second IPL player auction.

Mallya is the chairman of the United Breweries Group and is renowned in India for hosting lavish parties.

New Zealand coach Andy Moles is confident Ryder cricketing deeds will take precedence in South Africa, where the IPL runs from April 18 to May 24.

"He's improved ten-fold from where he was six or even three months ago. He knows what is expected of him," Moles said.

"We fully expect Jesse to go there and be in the limelight for all the right reasons."

He suggested Bangalore officials were aware of Ryder's issues with alcohol.

"There is some support around him and the team he's going to are aware of the protocols around Jesse," Moles said.

Fellow New Zealand international Ross Taylor is also contracted to Bangalore.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, allrounder Jacob Oram, wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and pace bowler Kyle Mills are also contracted to IPL franchises.

Limited overs specialist Scott Styris and former captain Stephen Fleming will also be in South Africa, the latter in a coaching capacity.

-NZPA