Written by Devendra Pandey | Mumbai | July 17, 2023 23:03 IST
Paul Valthaty, the former batsman for Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai, has officially retired from first-class cricket. The 39-year-old player gained recognition during the fourth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2011 when he smashed an impressive 120 runs for the Punjab franchise against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Valthaty shared the news of his retirement with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday, expressing his gratitude to various teams and organizations that supported him throughout his career. “I was extremely lucky and proud to have represented many teams in my career, from India Blue in the Challenger Trophy, India U-19, and the Mumbai Senior team, as well as all age group teams,” Valthaty stated in his email to the MCA.
Acknowledging the support he received, he further added, “I would also like to thank the IPL and both my teams, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, who I had the good fortune of representing. I was the first player from Mumbai and the fourth Indian to score a century in the IPL.”
Valthaty’s remarkable performance during the opening season of the IPL earned him considerable acclaim. However, his tenure in the IPL ended in 2013 as teams increasingly favored younger talents for their squads. Now, at the age of 39, Valthaty intends to contribute to the development of the game by guiding and mentoring young, aspiring cricketers.
Unbeknownst to many, Valthaty had experienced partial loss of vision during the 2002 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. It was during a match against Bangladesh when he was struck in the eye by a short delivery on a challenging pitch. Recalling the incident, Valthaty said, “The ball bounced unexpectedly and hit me straight in the eye. It took me at least a couple of years to adjust and get back to my best.”
Seeking inspiration and guidance, Valthaty turned to Nari Contractor, who had faced a similar trauma after being hit on the head during the 1962 tour to the West Indies. Contractor’s encouraging words and counsel played a vital role in Valthaty’s journey to recovery and subsequent success.
As Paul Valthaty bids farewell to his playing career, he leaves behind a memorable legacy in Indian cricket. His determination to overcome adversity and achieve remarkable milestones will continue to inspire budding cricketers for years to come.
