I felt disconnected with IPL: Oram

Back from the Indian Premier League after playing just two matches, New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram says he felt disconnected with the event as the "after-match parties, Bollywood stars and fashion parades" seemed far removed from reality.

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"Being here for six weeks, not playing much, training hard but not actually getting on the field has been kind of weird. In a way I feel like I haven't really got involved in the tournament," Oram, who played for Rajasthan Royals as an injury replacement for Paul Collingwood, told the Dominion Post.

"I haven't watched it on TV and I couldn't tell you the standings, partly because I know our side's out of it. I feel a bit disconnected from the tournament," he added.

Speaking about his experience in the league, the imposing 32-year-old said it was surreal at times.

"After nearly every game there's an after-party, there's Bollywood stars there and fashion parades; the drinks are free and the cheerleaders are around. It's a different world.

"Sometimes you wonder if you're here for cricket or not. Ultimately you are. It is good fun, but at the same time I don't think it's reality," Oram said.

Oram also recalled his interactions with Rajasthan captain Shane Warne's actress girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley.

"She (Hurley) was here for a week, halfway through the tournament. She's a very nice lady and has an organic farm herself, so with my wife's family being organic farmers there was a conversation starter there.

"She brought her kids across and Shane had his three kids there, and nannies and a bit of security so there was a massive entourage for a while," Oram said.

One of the pleasant experiences of the IPL, according to Oram, was sharing the dressing room with Warne and veteran Indian batsman Rahul Dravid.

"He (Warne) is a nice guy, really easy to talk to. He's about to retire and that experience will last forever. I'm glad I had that opportunity. I played alongside Rahul Dravid; there's some pretty cool things I've experienced," he said.