Doeschate has no regrets for opting out of T20 cup qualifiers

Kolkata, March 30 (IANS) Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate is disappointed at the Netherlands not making the cut for the Twenty20 World Cup, but has no regrets for skipping the tournament qualifiers for a private cricketing assignment in South Africa.

"It's a disappointment to see Netherlands missing out on a berth in the T20 World Cup. But I've no regrets for not representing my country in that competition," the big hitting batsman and medium pacer told media persons on the sidelines of Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders' practice session here Friday .

The Netherlands's hopes for getting a berth in the T20 World Cup finals in Sri Lanka were dashed with the team finishing fourth in the tourney. The two top sides Ireland and Afghanistan advanced to the main round.

Deoschate, who has a highly impressive average (67.00) after turning out in 33 ODIS, said his absence from the national side would not create ripples in the Netherlands.

"No chance!!!!! Cricket is not a priority there. Plus, the team does not consist of hardcore professional cricketers," said Doeschate, who opted out from the Netherlands team because of his commitments in the MiWAY T20 Challenge in South Africa.

He exuded confidence that the franchisee's new acquisitions - West Indies offie Sunil Philip Narine and Australian fast bowler James Pattinson - would bolster the team's strength.

"The team had done quite well last year. We had met most of the goals we had set ourselves up to achieve. But this time around, we'll have to push hard further to qualify for the final.

"We've already had a strong base and now, the latest acquisitions in Sunil Narine and James Pattinson would certainly reflect a stronger psychology of the team," he said,

The Kolkata Knight Riders went down to Mumbai Indians in the play-off stage last year.