Off the cuff with Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell is just 23 years old. At 23, people are so much about ebullience but this young man is a Jamaican - the ebullience stays in his batting while the typical West Indian laid-back swagger comes across in the demeanour. He is not yet as whacky as his West Indian counterparts, but don't rule it out in the future.

Regarded as one of the high-flying talents of Jamaica, Powell couldn't have timed his telling presence better than his match-winning performances in the domestic Regional Super50 semifinal and final, two days before the IPL auction. He has already broken into the limited-overs national side and it might not be too long before he gets a chance with the Kolkata Knight Riders - a team he calls 'fantastic'. In a relaxed conversation with Cricbuzz, Powell takes us through his bucket-list, his go-to-men for different cricket advice, his culinary skills and much more.

You're already being called Junior Andre Russell. If you had to take one thing from him, what would it be?

Ahh, his power!

You're young and already going places with CPL and IPL contracts. Who handles the bank account?

Haha! Myself.

If not cricket, what would you have been?

A teacher!

First run is always special. The shot you played to get your first run or boundary in international cricket?

A defensive block, right?

'Inside edge actually'

Ohh, really?

'Yes'

You love batting but want to work harder on your bowling? Take a pick - A smashing ton or a five-for?

Any day, a smashing hundred!

What is the difference between the CPL and IPL dressing room?

The whole atmosphere of the IPL is huge, in terms of the following, it is huge. The number of people coming (in) to watch the game is massive. Overall, fantastic!

Who do you get along well with at KKR?

Manish Pandey, Sheldon Jackson. But, everyone really!

One person you are scared of in the dressing room or you find intimidating?

(Laughs) I am not scared of anyone. Nah, not really.

'No one?'

But maybe, Lynny (Chris Lynn)

One player you're in awe of at KKR?

Manish. He is supremely talented. Manish, really!

The one dressing room prank you can never forget?

The dance. They made me dance here the moment I entered the dressing room.

Being one of the youngest, have you been fooled or bullied ever?

It's a ritual here. You got to dance for the team and I don't mind.

'You're a West Indian. You know your dance well, eh?'

Ohh ya man! I do, I do.

Suppose you've unlimited money. What is it that you would buy?

First thing, I will buy is a house.

Your bucket-list, both on and off the field?

On the field, umm, consistently perform for all the sides I play for.

Off the field, some fancy stuff. Love them.

What's the similarity between people back in the West Indies and here in India?

The vibes. Both the countries carry very similar vibes, good vibes.

The dish you just couldn't have in India? And also your favourite Indian cuisine?

Couldn't have.. you mean I couldn't take it in?

'Yes'

Pasta.

'And loved?'

Mutton curry with rice. It was very good.

One West Indian specialty you would want the Indian contingent to taste?

Jerk chicken.

By the way, do you know how to cook?

Hey, I love cooking! Love cooking for my mum and for my girl.

'Have you ever thought of cooking for your teammates here?'

I don't mind at all. I love cooking, I told ya! Give me the ingredients I need, I will cook for you too.

Movie buff?

My favourite movie is 300. Totally enjoyed it.

Other sports?

Football.

Any favourites there?

Ohh sure! Cristiano Ronaldo, he is damn good.

Should he win the Ballon d'Or?

No doubts! Cristiano.

If you had to take an advice and had to go to these people, what would it be for?

Manish Pandey: Some batting advice, he's very, very good.

Chris Lynn: How to hit that ball as hard, maaaan!

Chris Gayle: How to score 10,000 T20 runs!

Kumar Sangakkara: Everything about batting! How is he that good, that consistent for the last many, many years. He is phenomenal!

Shakib Al Hasan: How is he so good with everything? How can I be a better all-rounder.

(Gayle, Sangakkara and Shakib are a part of the Jamaica Tallawahs - the CPL team Rovman plays for)

Describe KKR in one word:

Fantastic!

'You love that word?'

(Laughs) Love the team.