Taylor's Interview: "Never felt being discriminated"
Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 12:10 am
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/interview ... or_1393809
Never felt being discriminated: Brendon Taylor
You seem to be having the best time of your career?
Yes. It’s been a dream season and I hope it will continue in the final tomorrow.
How have you brought a turnaround in your career?
Look, I have been with the team for quite some time. I’ve got a bit of experience behind me. We’ve got good players backing us up. I try to keep things simple. We’ve some very good players down the order and that gives me a lot of confidence to do well on top.
You have knocked India out of the tri-series, virtually single-handedly.
I love Indian cricketers and follow them closely. The present side is slightly out of form. We’re surprised that they have left their main players out. But the current side has some quality cricketers. I’m really surprised that they are out of the tournament.
Do you think the value of your performances has anyway diminished considering India and Sri Lanka have not sent their main teams?
That’s not in our hands but I feel a lot happy that India have not fielded their best team. They would have made our task much harder. At the same time, I would have liked them to be here. It would have been a good experience for us. I have immense respect for players like Yuvraj, Dhoni and Sachin. But we enjoyed playing against the current team. We learnt a lot.
Apart from the current series, which are the moments you cherish the most?
Beating Australia (in the first World T20) was a very special moment. They were the world champions at that stage. The last-ball six against Bangladesh in 2006 which gave us series win. It was the closest game I’ve ever played in.
Now that you have achieved consistency, do you aspire to lead Zimbabwe?
Elton Chigumbara is our new captain and we’ve immense respect for him. I’m happy to extend my fullest cooperation. He has good leadership skills. If I get an opportunity later on, I will be happy to lead.
Did you ever plan to leave Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is my home and it is good place to be in right now. I want to support Zimbabwe cricket as much as I can. We’re training hard and trying to give our best to play against Australia, India and Sri Lanka. Hopefully by next year, we will get our Test status back and things here will be normal soon.
Where is Zimbabwe cricket heading?
We feel the first class structure in Zimbabwe is heading in the right direction. It’s run professionally and we just hope it continues the same way. We have got five teams at the moment and we’re trying to give exposure to the youngsters.
Do you think you would have become bigger star playing for another country?
Our country has been through some tough times but it is on the mend. The selection is improving all the time and I’m happy to be a part of Zimbabwe cricket.
Being a white, did you ever experience racial profiling?
I have always tried to stay away from politics and I have not experienced any racial discrimination. We went through some tough times but that is behind us. Now we all respect each other, which is important. White or black, colour doesn’t bother us anymore. We’re good friends on and off the field and I think that’s very important.
Tell us some thing about your background. How did cricket happen to you?
I started my career in school. Alastair Campbell’s father shaped up my career since I was 5. I soon realised that cricket will be my career and that’s what I love doing. That’s what I did.
Is IPL on your agenda?
Certainly, every cricketer’s dream is to be a part of the IPL. I know there are two new teams from this year and I have my aspirations to play in the IPL. A few more good performances and I know I can get an IPL contract. It’s my aim to be part of such a well-established tournament.
