Ryder ready to make a comeback with IPL-5

Wellington, March 29 (IANS) New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder will make his comeback to cricket with the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a four-week break from the sport due to unspecified personal reasons.

The New Zealand will rejoin the Pune Warriors for the second year of his contract that was worth $150,000 per season. In the opening match, Ryder will be facing fellow team-mate James Franklin's Mumbai Indians, in Mumbai, April 6.

The Fairfax reported that Ryder will be accompanied with his manager Aaron Klee and clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo.

Nimmo said Ryder is ready to return to cricket.

"Jesse has been making steady progress over the past few weeks. Cricket is Jesse's job and what's he's good at, so I was keen to see him return as soon as practical, but only with the right structures in place,' she said.

Klee said he is in regular touch with management at Pune to chart out a comeback plan for Ryder.

"Karen is travelling to India the day after Jesse and will continue her work with him there while I'll be going over a little later to carry that work on. The extent and expense Jesse is going to in getting this right is significant. The IPL presents challenges and opportunities - no stone is being left unturned in our planning.

"The franchise has been wonderful and Jesse is desperate to perform on and off the field, and get his career back on track," said Klee.

Ryder last turned out for New Zealand in an ODI against South Africa in Napier February 29. After the match, Ryder and Doug Bracewell were handed one-match bans for drinking while injured.

Ryder was scheduled to return to the game with Plunket Shield but pulled out of Wellington team on match eve and took an indefinite break. Klee said it was "a deeply stressful and emotional time".

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is also happy as Ryder makes a comeback.

"It's been a particularly challenging time for him, no question about that. For him to be playing cricket is a positive thing," NZC chief executive David White was quoted as saying by Fairfax.

"He has clear expectations from NZC in terms of what is required from him to make a return to international cricket and playing in the IPL is a good first step. We are proud of the progress he has made and we will continue to support him through what has been a tough time," he added.