Highly rated Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate is returning to play cricket in New Zealand this summer but not for Canterbury.

The handy allrounder has signed with the Otago Volts for the upcoming domestic Twenty20 campaign and will play eight matches plus any finals for the southerners.

He donned Canterbury colours two seasons ago and was named MVP of the competition.

"I am really excited about having another opportunity to play in New Zealand. I really enjoyed the HRV Cup and the conditions that I encountered when I was last there a couple of years ago and can't wait to come back,'' ten Doeschate said.

''Otago has a strong side for this season and I am looking forward to getting over there and making a contribution".

In 145 Twenty20 matches, including nine internationals, ten Doeschate has scored 2507 runs at an average of 24.57 and a strike rate of 129, with a highest score of 121 not out.

With the ball, he has 72 wickets at an average of 22.94 and an economy rate of 7.94.

He has featured in several top Twenty20 leagues, including the IPL (Kolkata Knight Riders), Australia's Big Bash (Tasmania), in England for Essex and South Africa for Western Province.

''We are thrilled to be able to add someone of Ryan's quality to our HRV Cup squad,'' Otago coach Vaughn Johnson said.

''Ryan has been a highly sought after player worldwide in Twenty20 cricket and will offer a lot to the squad in terms of ability and valuable Twenty20 experience.

''We were looking for a player who can bat in the top order as well as being an option to us with the ball and Ryan fits that description perfectly. Ryan is an aggressive batsman which fits nicely with how our team wants to play this season.''

- © Fairfax NZ News