Once an Indian Premier League (IPL) sensation is now a head coach in the United States of America (USA). The story is none other than that of the former Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) opener Paul Valthaty. Notably, Valthaty had become nothing short of a sensation after his brilliant knock in the 2011 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
On April 13, 2011, Valthaty played his career-defining knock. The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 120 off 63 balls. CSK had set a stern target of 189 to win for the Punjab side. However, Valthaty's knock meant that they could get to the target with ease, without breaking a sweat as they went on to win the match in Mohali with 6 wickets in hand and 5 balls remaining.
READ HERE | Ex-PBKS Star, IPL's One-Season Wonder, Retires From First-Class Cricket
While Valthaty could not quite have a season like 2011 again, he has now taken up a head coach role in the US.
Paul Valthaty Appointed Head Coach In Minor League Cricket
Notably, Valthaty has been appointed as the head coach of Minor League Cricket (MLC) team Seattle Thunderbolts.
"Seattle Thunderbolts have just added a big hitter to their lineup—off the field! We're thrilled to announce that Paul Valthaty, the former Kings XI Punjab sensation, is now steering our ship as the Head Coach," the Minor League Cricket side said in a statement.
After an IPL stint and a career in Indian domestic circuit, the Mumbai-born batter announced his retirement from domestic cricket in 2023. Valthaty lives in the memories of Indian cricket fans as a one-season wonder of the IPL because of his form in 2011 season in which he scored 463 runs in 14 matches, averaging 36.61. He scored one century and two fifties in this season.