Picture Credit: Twitter
Arguably one of the best players ever to play from an associate cricket nation, all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate has announced his decision to retire from international cricket. The cricketer bid farewell to the sport he first played at the international level back in 2006. He was part of the Netherland's ICC Men's 2021 World Cup campaign where the side failed to qualify for the Super 12 stage.
Post announcing his decision to retire from international cricket, the 41-year-old expressed his gratitude towards Dutch cricket and acknowledged the team management's support throughout his career.
Grateful to the players, coaches and everyone involved with the team: Doeschate
"It’s been a tough tour to finish on but it’s been a pleasure to be a part of the efforts again. It has always been a privilege to represent The Netherlands," Ten Doeschate was quoted as saying in a Cricket Netherlands (KNCB) statement.
"The professionalism and dedication that this team and support staff have shown has been inspirational. I’m grateful to the players, coaches and everyone involved with the KNCB for allowing me to have enjoyed some of the spectacular highs of international cricket," he added.
A glimpse on Doeschate's career reveals how the Dutch star was the country's poster boy at various international cricket stages. He played 33 ODIs and 24 T20Is for the national team and accumulated over 2000 runs with as many as five centuries and 12 fifties to his credit. It was at the 2011 50-Overs World Cup, where the right-handed star smashed twin-hundreds against England and Ireland.
Doeschate represented Dutch cricket hope: Ryan Campbell
Doeschate played a key role in the Kolkata Knight Riders' Indian Premier League journey. He represented the franchise for five years, becoming the first Dutch player to get an IPL contract. Later, he was part of the team's title-winning run both in 2012 and 2014.
Even Netherlands' current head coach Ryan Campbell showered praise on Ten Doeschate as he congratulated the veteran on a great career.
"Doeschate represented Dutch cricket hope. Sometimes words don’t mean enough when summing up someone’s career. It has been an honour for me as a coach to have him," Campbell said.
"His skill, knowledge of the game & calmness under pressure was outstanding. Finally, he represented cricket hope to the Dutch, he gave us a belief that we could compete against anyone. He will be sorely missed as a player," he added.