Cooper living out a dream
‘Slow pitches in India have helped me maximise my potential’
West Indies’ all-rounder Kevon Cooper, who has already become a sensation in the ongoing season of IPL 5, on Tuesday said he was living his dream by participating in the Twenty20 cricketing extravaganza. 
“I am just enjoying IPL 5. It is a dream for me to play in IPL. Couple of years back I was at home watching cricket and I wanted to play in IPL and now I am here,” Cooper told reporters here.
The Trinidadian, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, is the leading wicket-taker in the current IPL and has also chipped in with the bat. “So far (I have played) two games and (scalped) seven wickets. I can’t complain and I couldn’t have asked for a better start,” he said.
The 23-year-old felt that “slow” pitches were aiding his bowling, as he is used to slow wickets back at home. “Back home the wickets are slow and over here also the wickets are same. So just trying to do my tricks and get some more wickets,” he said.
On Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, Cooper said, “It is a great feeling for me to be in the same box as Rahul...in the same dressing room and have a chat with him. He is a legend of the game. I think he led the side very well during the first two games. He is very easy-going, very cool. I think he sticks to his plans. I hope he works with his plans and we can win the next 14 games.’’
The Jaipur franchise is leading the table, after registering victories in both the matches it has played so far.
Cooper admitted that he would like to be humble like Dravid and concentrate on the task ahead. “He (Dravid) is a great batsman, a great player. He has achieved a lot in cricket. He is a very humble guy and a cool character, which is something I want to pick up from him. Although, I am doing well, I want to stay focussed. (I want to) Keep my head on my shoulder and continue performing for Rajasthan,” he added.
Hailing from a family of athletes, Cooper revealed that he used to play football and later switched over to cricket.
“My brother Kevin Molina plays for Orlando city. He is younger then me and now he is off to Olympics in London. I used to play football. I liked cricket, so (I) switched over to it. My brother played football and my dad liked cricket, so I decided to follow my dad,” he said.
On the prospect of playing with compatriot Kieron Pollard on Wednesday, he said, “I am great friends with Kieron Pollard, he is like a brother to me, Dwayne Bravo is my Godfather. So any day we play each other it is war on cricket field but off the field we have great relationship. We play tomorrow against Mumbai Indians, Kieron Pollard’s team, and hopefully we can come on top.”
Asked about playing for West Indies, the all-rounder said, “Every player’s dream is to play for their country and my dream is to play for West Indies. One day I would like to wear that cap and represent West Indies. That is my dream and aim at the moment. Right now, I am focussing on IPL. Hopefully, if selected for West Indies, we will take it from there.”
