Foreign stars in IPL must set right example: Taylor

New Delhi, 12 April (H.S)| From its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has attracted foreign players, with some even toying with the idea of turning into freelance cricketers to ply their trade successfully in the cash-rich league. While the foreign players look at the IPL as a tournament to clash with the best in the world, critics have often labelled the league as the perfect platform for foreign players to rake in the moolah in a period of eight weeks.

But Delhi Daredevils’ Ross Taylor begs to differ. Having played for as many as four franchises in the last six seasons — Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Pune Warriors India and Delhi — the New Zealand batsman feels that being an international player has its share of responsibility as well — something that goes unnoticed at times.

Speaking to Mail Today, Taylor said that despite being involved with a franchise for just two months, the level of expectation is huge, both on and off the field. Taylor also feels that pundits who think that there is a lack of emotional connect when it comes to a foreign player’s involvement need a reality check.

“I don’t believe that I would connect more — emotionally — with my teammates in the New Zealand team than I would with my Daredevils teammates. Yes, as professionals, we come in and give it our best in the eight-week span, but then, it is also our job to create an environment which promotes unity and brings the team closer.”

“A foreign player — especially the seniors — is also expected to set the perfect example for the youngsters to follow and we work closely with each and every individual to create a sense of harmony and fighting spirit within the team,” he revealed.

Taylor has come to the IPL on the back of an excellent summer wherein New Zealand beat India 4-0 in the ODI series and 1-0 in the two-match Test series. Having been one of the architects of the commendable feat, Taylor feels that it was one of his best summers as a New Zealand player.

“It was amazing and a great boost for the game in our country. While it is a great feeling to win against any international team, beating India definitely holds a special place in our hearts. I feel that it was a very competitive series and I am definitely glad to have been part of the winning team. In short, it was the best summer I have had,” he said.

While they were in opposition teams during the series, Taylor will share the dressing room with Mohammed Shami in the IPL. And the batsman can’t stop raving about the talented fast bowler.
“To be honest, I was really excited when I realised that we were both going to play for the Daredevils. I can confess that Shami was one bowler who really troubled me right through the summer. And I believe he has a lot of potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being one of the best fast bowlers India has produced,” the 30-year-old said.

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While Taylor is a regular in the New Zealand side, the four-foreigner rule in the IPL could see him miss out on a few matches if he doesn’t score consistently.

And to make most of the opportunities that he gets, Taylor wants to bat higher up the order in the IPL. “The higher you bat, more time you spend out there in the middle in a T20 match. Number 4 or 5 is probably my ideal spot. There have been a few minor changes in my batting, but I will bring out the slog sweeps and other aggressive and innovative shots as that is the demand of the format,” he said.

Having played for Delhi earlier, Taylor feels that it will be easy for him to adapt to this team. “Each team has its share of positives and negatives. Having played for the Daredevils earlier, it will be easier to deal with tough situations. Delhi has been one of my favourite teams,” he signed off.

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