The suspension of the IPL “played into India’s hands,” according to senior New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor. Tayor feels that the suspension of the league handed Virat Kohli’s squad more time to adjust to English conditions before the World Test Championship final next month. The Indian Premier League, which was suspended earlier this month due to several instances of COVID-19 inside its cloud, was set to end on May 30, while the WTC final between New Zealand and India is set to begin on June 18 in Southampton.
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“For India, IPL finishing early under unfortunate circumstances has probably played into their hands a little,” – On Sunday, Taylor spoke to the reporters. “If IPL would have gone on they would have had a smaller preparation but now they will be a lot more conditioned, their bowlers will have their loads up,” he added.
New Zealand will, however, have a small edge over India, according to Taylor, since they will play two Tests against England before the WTC final.
Taylor also added- “I would be lying if you think there isn’t some sort of thought about the WTC final but I couldn’t think of a better preparation than playing two Tests against England. At the end of the day, it’s a neutral venue. “Playing two Tests gives us a slight advantage but this Indian team has been number one for a long period of time and has had a lot of success over here”.
Most cricketers still believe International cricket to be the ultimate.
The BCCI have reportedly demanded that the timetable for India’s five-Test series against England be changed in order to finish the IPL, which the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has refused. “IPL is definitely the most high-profile and countries switch it around because they don’t have the same influence,” Taylor said when asked if he was worried about the future of international cricket despite the T20 leagues’ boom. It is what it is, players want to play in it.
“I hope that international cricket still has relevance and priorities at times. As long as things are being moved around it is fine… as long as they aren’t getting cancelled and what not.”
Most cricketers still believe international cricket to be the ultimate, according to the right-hander, who has played in 195 Tests, 233 ODIs, and 102 T20Is for New Zealand.
The 37-year-old also pull down rumours regarding his retirement.
“It’s changed a lot from when I started IPL, the movement and players. We, as team, weren’t able to play in the whole IPL, we played only a couple of weeks. “It’s a move for the good but I hope international cricket is still the pinnacle and I’m sure of it. You ask most of the international cricketers and that’s the case.”
“Age is just a number and as long as you’re still enjoying it and feel like you’re good enough and can contribute to the team on and off the field.”
“I did have 35 in my mind because of the 2019 World Cup but I went there and felt I could still contribute, and therefore, I didn’t think just because it was a World Cup it was time to retire, but no I don’t have a number in mind,” the 37- years old added.
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