Not disappointed to be left out of IPL: Brendan Taylor

MANGALORE: When most cricketers across the world want their finger in the IPL pie, not disappointed to be part of BCCIs annual slam bang cricketing affair are the Zimbabweans. Acknowledging that it is a huge incentive to be playing in the IPL for any cricketer, Brendan Taylor, current Zimbabwe skipper feels his national side is in a transition phase having come out of isolation from International Cricket Council Futures Tour Programme.

In an exclusive chat with TOI on the sidelines of launch of current Zimbabwe national coach Heath Streak charity foundation here, Brendan opined that BCCI in general and international cricketing fraternity in particular is looking for consistency from Zimbabwean cricketers over a sustained period. "It is certainly not upsetting not to be part of IPL, but the goal for any cricketer including a Zimbabwean is to play there and make a mark," he noted.

Asserting he is a big fan of IPL and tries to watch every game as much as possible, Brendan said success that IPL got when it was shifted to South Africa for logistical reasons here was incredible. "IPL has shown players need to adapt to this version of the game that is slowly yet steadily gaining in popularity," Brendan said, adding Zimbabweans - Alistair Campbell and Mpumelelo Mbangwa are part of IPL, albeit in a different role as commentators.

On his team's chances in ICC World T20 2012 that Sri Lanka is scheduled to host in September-October 2012, Brendan said, "We are in a tough group with the hosts and South Africa." Asserting there is a need to fire in all three departments of the game; Brendan said Zimbabweans will go there to win and not to compete. "We will prepare in the run up to the T20 World Cup with a five game T20 series against South Africa," he noted.

On Zimbabwe's return to Test Cricket, Brendan said it has been a massive boost. "We must reap the rewards of the return and keep climbing up the ladder," he said. The country has some talented age-group cricketers who are a positive asset; Brendan said adding that the team has embarked on long term team building process to ensure there is natural succession as the seniors bow out. "We are training hard and believing in ourselves," he said.