Photo credit: Brad Hodge/Twitter

Brad Hodge is known to have been a batsman-par-excellence for the Australian national side and in their domestic circuit. His quick thinking, cunning strategies and ability to handle pressure put him head and shoulders above anyone else in the domestic games, making him one of the most dominant run getters in the league’s history.

As he settles into the role of the Kings XI Punjab coach though, he gets into the Punjabi attitude of enjoying your work and celebrating your days in true blue Punjabi style. Kxip.in caught up with their coach while he prepares for his campaign and got him to he shed his inhibitions as let his words do a little dance to the bhangra beat.

So, do you have any fond memories of playing in Punjab?

I actually love Mohali as a cricket ground. I remember hitting a few sixes against the Kings when I was playing for the Rajasthan Royals. I felt that it was a really good place to bat, and also a pretty fun place to live. I really liked the structure of the city, and I love the crowd. I hope locals get behind the team this season as well. If you are a batsman, I think it is one of the best wickets in the country to bat on.

What kind of movies do you like, and have you watched any Bollywood movies?

Yeah, I have. I watched a couple of Shah Rukh Khan movies when I was playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, and I was curious to see how big a star he was, so that was pretty cool. I have watched a Preity Zinta one too, but I can’t remember the title of it. I also watched ‘Shootout at Wadala’. I like any sort of action/thriller movies. I love Rambo, Rocky, the (Arnold) Schwarzenegger movies from the 80s like Terminator.

What brings a smile on your face on a daily basis?

My kids. I really enjoy it when my kids are happy and have fun. I think that is one great thing about Australia – we get time to go and play outdoors and enjoy the recreational side of things.

What would you say are your pet peeves?

I don’t like violence in nightclubs. We have a big campaign over here (in Australia) to basically get rid of what is called a ‘sucker punch’. I just think that is a nasty part of the culture if you have been out late at night. I like people socialising and enjoying themselves in a nice manner, so I don’t like nights being ruined by brawls.

Do you like reading? Which is your favourite book?

I do like reading, and I read a lot when the Indian Premier League is on. I find that when I go to bed at night and thinking about cricket, reading brings a sense of calmness, so I like reading a lot. At the moment, I am reading the current Jack Reacher book by Lee Child. I like the murder mystery and thriller sort of genre.

Which is your favourite song?

‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana.

If you could have one person over for dinner, who would it be?

I would probably ask Brad Pitt for dinner if I could.

Describe yourself in three words

Pretty easy going.

Do you have a catchphrase or something that you say a lot of?

Not really, I don’t use any terms other than what I say as a coach to ask people to express themselves, back your own judgement and use common sense.

Which animal would you like to have as a pet?

A Bengal tiger! I do have one dog and one cat though.

Favourite vacation spot?

Gold Coast, Queensland.

Do you have a favourite Shakespeare quote?

I have no idea, I don’t read Shakespeare!

Favourite superhero?

Spiderman.

Favourite social media app?

Twitter.

Favourite dish?

Spaghetti Bolognese.

Favourite emoji?

Shocked guy with the big eyes. 😳