A perfect start. Just two games into your IPL debut, and you are leading the wicket-takers' list...
Yes, it feels great. We played two games and I have picked up seven wickets. It's a dream-come true for me to play in the IPL. We have 14 more games to go and I hope I can continue performing like this. I have trained hard and really worked on my T20 game. My weapon is my variation and Indian pitches, I feel, are conducive to my style of bowling. I enjoyed it last time when I came here to play in the Champions League T20 for Trinidad & Tobago. I bowled well with my slower balls, mixing up my pace... I want to focus and not get swayed by the distractions around me.
You must be surprised considering that you are just about starting on the international circuit?
I must say it's a dream-come true for me to just play in the IPL. I am only 23, and a few years back, I was at home watching IPL on TV. My dream was to play here one day, and I am enjoying every moment of it. It's an honour to play alongside Rahul Dravid. He's a legend , and then there's Shaun Tait, Brad Hodge and these other guys... So, I am just living my dream and I hope everything continues the way it is right now.
Any player who has inspired you to take up T20 seriously...
I look up to Kieron Pollard. He's from Trinidad & Tobago and we play for the same team (in West Indies ). Even he made his IPL debut at a young age (22 years). We are almost similar kind of players but he has grown into a big international player. He's a great T20 player and I look up to him. We are good friends and it's a good feeling for me to come here also make a name for myself. I am so happy right now... My family, friends and all those who have supported me on this journey, I hope I have been able to make them proud.
Did you interact with Pollard after your back-to-back winning performances for Team Jaipur?
I had a chat with him... He messaged me and then he called me to say 'Well done on your debut. Just keep it up, there's plenty more games to come' . Keep my head on my shoulders and focus on my game, was the advice.
Pollard vs Cooper. Does it excite you to play against your T&T teammate and best friend in Jaipur's upcoming clash against Mumbai?
(Laughs) I think playing Mumbai in Mumbai is a big challenge for us. They have Sachin (Tendulkar ), a great player and then Pollard , Rohit Sharma... It's a great team actually... But we also have a good team. We are gelling together. The main thing for us is to play as a team, back each other and stick to our briefs on the field. I am really looking forward to playing against Mumbai in Mumbai. And don't worry, Pollard and Cooper will always be great friends (laughs).
How do you react to your detractors or opponents when they try to undermine your performance?
I heard from my teammates that one of the Team Kolkata players made a comment that there's nothing special in Kevon Cooper. I am not really peeved with the statement. It made me more focused to go out there and play my game. I know I am capable of bowling, batting and fielding like the best and I am here to make a name for myself. Hopefully, I have shown that I deserve to be here.
How are you utilising the opportunity of playing with someone like Rahul Dravid?
To be in the team bus with Rahul (Dravid) is another dream-come-true for me. He has scored so many Test hundreds, he's a very cool customer ... He's down to earth and doesn't show any emotion. He gives us advice and always speak to us softly . We have a lot of respect for him in the camp. Rahul has done a great job so far as captain and, hopefully, he'll continue to shine. Before the tournament, Rahul told me to simply enjoy my debut season. His words 'we believe in you' motivated me. He said the team will back me for they know what I am capable of.
Have you set yourself a target for a West Indies debut?
(Laughs) Oh! no, no, no... Right now, my aim is just to play in the IPL and, hopefully, I can continue doing well. Let's see when I get the Windies call. I will bide my time.
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