In the initial few seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the glamour and off-the-field controversies took centre stage as well. Former New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder did not have a single incident of bad behaviour during his IPL career but he will fit into the list of ‘bad boys’ the game has witnessed in the 21st century and played in the cash-rich league. Ryder had the potential to go down in New Zealand’s history as the best all-rounder but his addiction to drugs, and his involvement in brawls and injuries did not let his career flourish.
Ryder’s father left him alone at 14
Ryder had a troubled childhood. Born on August 6, 1984, in Wellington, his father left him and his mother when he was just 14 years old. His father left him at his friend's place and never came back. While his mother raised him, he missed a father figure growing up. In an interview, he admitted that his problems with drugs started then.
Ryder’s IPL debut in 2009
The left-handed batter and right-arm pacer made his T20I debut in 2008 and was picked in the auction by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). But on South African pitches, he could live upto expectations. From five appearances, he scored 56 runs and picked up three wickets. However, his economy rate of 6.76 runs per over was impressive.
Ryder’s return to IPL after injury
In 2010, he was hit with an intoxication charge. He got involved in an altercation with guests at a hotel. He was 'intoxicated and rowdy' in his behaviour during an indoor cricket tournament. He was away from the New Zealand side due to an elbow injury.
In 2011, he was picked by the now-defunct franchise Pune Warriors India. He had his best IPL season with the bat. From 13 innings, he scored 292 runs at an average of 22.46 including two half-centuries. His strike rate was 148.22. In the following season, he scored 256 runs from 11 matches and registered his IPL best of 86.
Ryder beaten into coma
Ryder took an indefinite break from cricket in 2012 to recover from injuries and counter his alcohol addiction. But in 2013, he was brutally beaten into a coma by four people outside a bar in Christchurch. He suffered a fractured skull but regained consciousness without any memory loss.
Ryder misses out on 260,000 dollars
The Kiwi all-rounder was picked by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for 260,000 dollars in the IPL 2013 auction. But he ended up missing the entire season due to injury and could not play another IPL. He bid adieu to IPL with 604 runs and eight wickets to his name from 29 games.
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Ryder’s last game
Ryder was a part of the home Test series during India’s 2014-15 tour of New Zealand. However, he was found in an intoxicated state and had to face consequences. He made his last appearance on the international stage in January 2014.
He represented New Zealand in 18 Tests, 48 ODIs, and 22 T20Is scoring 3,088 runs including six centuries and 15 fifties. He had 19 wickets to his name in international cricket.
Many wonder how Ryder’s career would have panned down had it not been for his intoxication and off-the-field antics. However, he will be on the list of ‘Bad Boys’ in cricket history.
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