Raining rupees

First, a disclaimer. The headline is not original; we acquired it from the story that follows. But it was too good NOT to use!

Upon whom is it raining rupees? Ross Taylor, that's who. Taylor was by far and away the best of the New Zealanders in the A-list of the IPL auction which was held last night - the Sunday Star-Times reports:

Ross Taylor became an instant millionaire last night when he was snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals for an incredible $1.3 million in the Indian Premier League auction.

The 26-year-old was the big winner on a magic night for a trio of Kiwi cricketers who were all sold in the marquee version of the cash-rich league's player auction. New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori was sold to Bangalore for a cool $723,000 and Twenty20 sensation Brendon McCullum to Kochi for $625,000.

They were both handsome paydays but nothing in the league of Taylor's windfall.

Six IPL franchises became embroiled in a furious bidding frenzy for the Kiwi batsman, who was scooped up for a mere $100,000 by Bangalore in 2008.

In a life-changing 60-second haggle Taylor, whose reserve price was $US400,000, fetched a cool one million greenbacks, the deal for two years with an option for a third.

The IPL starts on April 8 and finishes on May 20, a week after the cricket world cup on the subcontinent ends. He will earn about $250,000 for every week he spends in the cricket-mad country

That's a fantatstic result for Ross Taylor, who is just entering the prime of his cricket playing days. Dan Vettori and Brendon McCullum are a little further down the track with their respective careers, but the dosh that was dealt to them last night will make planning for life after cricket just that little bit easier. We can only hope that all three are well advised in how to invest their earnings, and that they don't fall prey to the likes of an Eric Watson or a Mark Hotchin.

Right now though, Taylor has a job to do. He is the vice-captain of a Black Caps side which, barring a breakthrough with the new ball this morning is going to concede a significant first innings advantage to Pakistan. He's been out of nick lately, but we are firm believers that whereas form comes and goes, class is permanent. This is the ideal time for Taylor to break out of his slump and play a million-dollar test innings for his country.