The 'Club versus Country' debate has been on since IPL's inception in 2008 but former New Zealand captain Ross Taylor feels that his country's Board was among the first to realise that "allowing players in the IPL will only prolong their international careers".
New Zealand, for some years now, does not plan any bilateral series during IPL which allows all its players to ply their trade in the cash-rich league and earn handsome salaries.
"New Zealand cricket has done a very good job (by keeping window open during IPL). We don't have the same depth of players like some of the other countries, so it is good that our players come and play in the IPL. Ultimately by playing in IPL, the players get to play for NZ for a longer time," Delhi Daredevils' Taylor said during an interaction after a training session of the team.
"The way it has gone, NZC knows that to keep the players playing for as long as possible, both the Board and the players will have to give in a little bit," Taylor hit the point straightaway.
Taylor has been a kind of IPL journeyman having played for four franchises in his last six seasons (RCB, Rajasthan Royals, DD and Pune Warriors). Back in familiar territory, the 30-year-old veteran of 54 Tests and 137 ODIs is a happy man.
"I think it's been great. It's nice to come back to a franchise that I am familiar with. Going to three franchises in three years was a little disruptive," Taylor conceded.
Taylor will also have some first hand inputs for the Daredevils as the New Zealand team had a week-long camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of the ICC World T20.
"We just went there for training before the World T20. The practise pitches were a bit worn out at that point of time. Hopefully, they have grown a bit of grass. By now."
Asked about his preferred batting position, Taylor made it clear that he would ideally like to bat at No 4 or 5.
"The higher you bat, more time you spend out there in the middle. Number 4 or 5 is probably my ideal spot. There has been a few minor changes in my batting.
