Many of Taylor's team-mates looked out of sorts in the Twenty20 format. But a combination of swift hands, nimble footwork and an innovative mind made the New Zealander an instant success in the on-going IPL.

But the new-found fame and money still have not prompted the lad from Lower Hutt to dream high. Taylor, instead, wants to exploit the IPL experience to become a better cricketer and serve his country for long. Taylor dwelt on his ambitions and plans in a chat with Deccan Herald.

What were the expectations in New Zealand before the IPL auction?

We had a team meeting. We had a lengthy discussion about the whole situation. Everyone was okay and decided we would support whoever gets selected. "Jac (Oram), Dan (Daniel Vettori) and Brendon (McCullum) were picked up and since we had already discussed everything before we were all happy for them. Later, (Kyle) Mills and I got selected. There was some pressure during the initial rounds of auction. I was playing against England at home and the pressure of the price tag was there. But it disappeared once I joined the team.

Are you able to withstand the intense media attention on the IPL and the subsequent pressures?

It's more than I expected. The hype and excitement around this is bigger than even the World Cup. It's been magnificent. Rugby is No 1 in NZ and this is a pretty cool place to come and play cricket. The media attention is unbelievable. I would rather play in packed stadiums than two men and a dog. But to be honest, I am not used to be so identifiable and recognised.

What is your next step? Perfecting your signature for the autograph?

(Laughs) Yeah, that is also in my mind. Now, a lot of people comes and say 'hello'. Yeah it's a new experience for me.

Can you elaborate on your experience in the IPL so far?

Being out here, I have learnt a lot from Dravid, Kallis and Chanderpaul. I talked to Chanders and he talked about the basics. He talked about playing close to the body and late. He shared with me some good tips. It's very basic stuff, but the words are true and that is why he is so successful in international cricket.

So you mean to say that the IPL is a blessing for young players?

Not only is the IPL a good concept, but it's also a good platform for young international players like me and Cameron White. With the nature of international cricket, gone are the days of having a beer with the opposition at the end of the day.

It is no more possible because there is so much cricket is being played and the recovery from injuries has become a big issue. The IPL has given me a chance to have a beer and talk cricket with the likes of Dravid and Kallis. They are great guys and have been willing to share their knowledge.

Yeah, I am sure the local lads too are learning from us. They are not hesitant to come to us and clear doubts about the game. I feel the IPL has already erased a lot of barriers, creating a sort of harmony between players from different countries and culture.

How do you rate the performance of Bangalore Royal Challengers so far?

There is a lot of respect among the boys for each other. The way our boys have gelled together is fantastic. Our performance has not been what we would like it to be, but the spirit is high. The boys are confident that they can turn it around in the coming days.

You are going to play for New Zealand against England from next week. What plans does the Bangalore team have to replace you?

I think there are enough players in our ranks to step in for me. There is Misbah-ul-Haq and I am sure the local cricketers too are talented guys. I just hope the team starts winning on a consistent basis soon so that we can make an impression in the IPL.

Do you think the IPL needs a separate window in the ICC calendar?

The IPL should have separate window in the ICC calendar. It's a great concept. Not only are Indian youngsters getting the chance to play with greats, but young internationals like me also getting the chance. A separate window would be great. The youngsters are learning a lot watching how quality players go about their preparation. It has been a lesson for all of them. If the ICC creates a separate window, they also can ensure that the IPL will not clash with other programmes in the FTP list, and prevent player leaking mid-way of the event.

You are going to play Test matches against England in a couple of weeks’ time. How tough is the transition from Twenty20 to Test cricket?

It's like chalk and cheese but we do enough jumping from one form of the game to another so we have to adjust. At least, I am playing on grass, while the players in New Zealand would have had to do with practising indoors.