'I never imagined I'd get so much out of cricket'
Cricketing journeyman Ryan ten Doeschate talks about his experiences in different countries, playing for various teams
At times it is really easy to go in to a team and gel straight away. At times it is not so easy. Most importantly, you have got to look after your own game first. It certainly helps the team culture if you go in and do well. You have to understand that players are working in a full programme for the whole year and they are moving the team forward in their own way. And then someone comes into the team, so it can be very tough mentally. I look to focus on my own game and then try to adapt to the team culture.
The best thing is not to think too much. You are aware that you are going to be up against different conditions. For instance, in India you see pitches that are slow and turn a lot, but if you look at the pitch in Hyderabad, you might not see a wicket that quick even in Australia. I think, from a practical point of view, to not make a big deal about these things is important.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of India is the passion for the game. When you go to the stadiums, people will shout when, say, a Yusuf [Pathan] or a Brett [Lee] appear on the big screen. It's just superstardom. It's an honour to play cricket in India.
I'm pretty lucky I don't suffer from jet lag. I enjoy the travel and feel a bit like a tourist. Lot of the guys don't enjoy getting out, but I like seeing new places.
I am not saying this because I am here now but I am fascinated by the history of India and its different cultures. Obviously I would not get to see such things in the western countries or in Australia. Things like the old forts, the monuments and the street life. When you walk out of your hotel, the atmosphere and the vibes here are quite different compared to walking in a city like Sydney.
No problems there. I had a few issues in Delhi during the World Cup, when I struggled a bit, but I have been really lucky on that count. We were out for a walk at night and I bought what looked like a dessert from a street vendor. It had been fried and appeared safe. It was like eight pieces for only Rs 20 and that should have set alarm bells going. I had it, and fortunately it did not have any [ill] effect.
"The biggest contrast for me was when I went back to England from the IPL to play a four-day game in Gloucester. The difference in the atmosphere, with only 30-40 people watching, can be alarming. You have got to find a way to bring your own energy into each game, otherwise it can all drift past very quickly"
Soak up the entire cricket atmosphere. Don't do anything that upsets the people on the other side of the fence, as you want to keep them on your side.
Very, very different. There is a huge contrast between how people bring you into teams as well. For instance, I have never seen a welcoming team culture like Tasmania. They just made me settle in straight away. Every single person I was in contact with was so genuine and so friendly. They are the nicest bunch of people I have ever come across in my life.
The game is going through a phase now where Twenty20 is a craze. The only real opportunity for guys outside the big international teams is to try and play in T20 competitions. I think it's fantastic, with the kind of opportunities it presents. It definitely raises the standards by getting some of the big players from other countries to play in domestic competitions.
Home advantage is getting lesser, gradually. Players are playing in all conditions all the time. Given the homework and preparation that go into tours now, I don't think the conditions factor is as big as it was 15-16 years ago.
That is a difficult question to answer. [I think] any close game where I can help my team get over the line. But I have had most of my success at Essex. Most of my fond memories are from helping Essex do really well.
I sometimes get a bit tied up against spin. But I have made it a point to watch the ball closely, and it has helped. I do like to get after the spinners and I think that is the best way to play them.
The opportunity to play international cricket for Netherlands has been fantastic. We have had some special times, especially beating England in the World Twenty20 in 2009 and running them close in the World Cup 2011. It's been a privilege to play for Netherlands.
Given the problems that Zimbabwe have had to overcome, it was heartening to see the progress they have made. The domestic Twenty20 competition was so well run that I was surprised and impressed. They have lots of potential.
What struck me about New Zealand was a comparative lack of resources. It is quite a tough place to play domestic professional cricket. But as a small nation, they always do really well in tournaments like the World Cup.
I will always remain a South African at heart. I was brought up there and I still spend half my time there. I grew up following South African sport.
Because you get to go around so much, you only see the best about places in four to six weeks. I guess my home is still Cape Town. If I were to push for a second home, I'll go for Hobart.
Abhishek Purohit is an editorial assistant at ESPNcricinfo