Rilee Rossouw doesn't have any regrets for choosing county over country

Former South African cricketer Rilee Rossouw who recently abandoned his international career to sign a Kolpak deal with English county Hampshire said that he doesn’t regret his decision of abandoning South Africa and choosing county instead. The southpaw said that he was looking forward to playing with Hampshire as their Kolpak player. The hard-hitting striker of the ball, Rossouw played 36 ODIs and 15 T20Is for South Africa before signing a contract with Hampshire. Apart from Rossouw, two other high profile players from South Africa namely Kyle Abbott and David Wiese have also signed Kolpak deals with England counties.

When asked if he was enjoying his life after ending his international career prematurely, Rossouw said he was definitely looking forward to the bright future ahead after powering his franchise Quetta Gladiators to a comprehensive victory in the ongoing PSL season 2. “Yes, definitely no regrets, and I am looking forward to a bright future and what is in store for me,” Rossouw was quoted as saying by Wisden India. While the left-hander struck a match-winning 53 balls 76 for Quetta Gladiators yesterday, he began his campaign with a stroke-filled 60 in the opening encounter.

The southpaw said that he was enjoying his time in the Quetta Gladiators dressing room which has the likes of former Caribbean legend Viv Richards as their mentor and former Pakistan great Moin Khan as their coach. “Since day one, everyone is very positive and the two wins have put us in the right direction,” said Rossouw. “Moin has helped me on what conditions to expect, and it’s a good team environment and that has helped me perform.”

Rossouw said that in both the matches he was playing according to the merit of the ball and took one ball at a time. “I played ball to ball and I didn’t put too much pressure on myself. I believe if I prepare well and my execution is good on the day then I can perform. I don’t put too much pressure on myself,” he was quoted as saying.

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The swashbuckling batsman said PSL is one of the best tournaments he has been involved in.  “It’s unbelievable,” he gushed. “It’s a great tournament [with] good vibes and one of the best tournaments I have been involved in. I am looking forward to its future,” Rossouw concluded.