IPL 2009 News & Updates | IPL 2009 Videos Highlights, match dates and timings

The Bangalore Royal Challengers are the second most expensive team in the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) team auctions but their current showings in the tournament wouldn't impress themselves, leave alone others. In such times of disappintment, the only ray of hope has been explosive Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor.

Taylor has been his team's highest scorer thus far and the fact that he is leaving for national duty soon is helping matters. "I'm here only for a few games, trying to make most of the time here before leaving for England," says the attacking Kiwi.

For a person who has been to India for the first time, we wonder how this experience has been. "Yeah, it's the first time I've played in India. The excitement created by the IPL is great. I hope to come back next year and play even better for Bangalore."

Bangalore is going to lose a few players and gain a few owing to international commitments. Dale Steyn and Misbah-ul-Haq are joining the team. What does Ross think about the future Royal Challengers?

"We haven't played as well as we would've liked but Dale and Misbah are world class players. I'm sure that in time they'll go on to show their worth. We've got some more talented players who need some time to get in to the game and I'm sure they'll do well in the coming 10 or so games."

In the two substantially entertaining knocks that he has played, Taylor has ensured that the crowds get their money's worth. Against the Rajasthan Royals, he scored 44 runs off just 20 balls and 42 of those came off hits to the fence. Off the three sixes that he had hit then, one was a shot similar to that of compatriot Brendon McCullum's in the first match. An intended heave over mid-wicket off Sohail Tanvir's bowling took the edge and went over the third man boundary for six!

In the following match, Taylor's knock of 53 runs off 34 balls took the Royal Challengers to the brink of victory, only for the following batsmen to make a mess of the rest of the chase. Hence, it is very clear that this team jokingly called a Test match team in T20 outfits, will certainly miss the services of a naturally attacking batsman who has made significant contribution in the team's exploits so far.