New Zealand seam bowler Kyle Jamieson has passed up on the opportunity to play in this years Indian Premier League tournament.
The 27 year old broke records in the 2021 auction, being sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021 for a record NZ$2.86 million.
However Jamieson struggled to find his form in the tournament, and has decided to focus on improving his performaces for the Blackcaps over the lucrative IPL.
"The last 12 months have been challenging with bubbles and MIQ's. It was important for me when looking at the schedule over the next 12 months to find six to eight weeks where I could spend some time at home," Jamieson said.
"Reflecting on the past year I feel like I wasn't where I wanted to be with my game, and I feel that if I want to compete for spots in the New Zealand side across all three formats then I have to work on my game and not just play the whole time."
Kyle Jamieson Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
While being firm with his decision to focus on improving for the upcoming season, Jamieson says a return to India is certainly a possibility for the future.
"I still think I'm young at 27 and I've still got a few years ahead so this is just for this year, hopefully moving forward there will be more opportunities for me to dip my toes into that environment."
With the recent tour of Australia canceled due to Covid concerns, Jamieson has enjoyed a few weeks away from the game and says cricket was far from his mind.
"It's been great to take a step back from the game to rest and regenerate, nice to have some time at home for a change."
"I've been busy trying to furnish my house and irrigating the lawn, that has kept me pretty busy."
Jamieson will be coming up against several Black Caps team mates this week in the Plunket Shield as his Auckland Aces take on Northern Districts at the Eden Park Outer Oval starting Friday.
-RNZ