Thaindian News

Mohali, April 13 (IANS) Paul Valthaty was lost into oblivion after an eye injury put the brakes on his career way back in 2002 when he represented India in the U-19 World Cup. But his match-winning 120 not out for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Chennai Super Kings Wednesday has put his fading career back on track.

Valthaty came from nowhere and scored one of the most entertaining knocks of the IPL. The right-handed batsman toyed with the Super Kings bowling comprising the likes of India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, New Zealand pacer Tim Southee, South Africa’s Albie Morkel and Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv.

Valthaty said scoring a century in IPL is a dream come true and he is looking forward to continue his blazing form in the coming matches.

“I am very happy with my innings. It was a great day for me and I would remember it for my entire life. I must say that it is just like a dream come true for me. I got the right opportunity to prove myself and due to god’s grace I have done it,” said Valthaty.

“I have practiced really hard for the IPL. I had started my preparations around two-months back before the start of this IPL season. From today’s innings I have gained a lot of confidence and I am really looking forward to forthcoming games,” he added.

Valthaty,27, studded his 63-ball innings with two sixes and 19 fours.

With this sensational innings here, Valthaty hoped for a turnaround in his career.

“I was in the India U-19 team in 2002 and then got an eye injury, and my career went through a lean phase, but it looks like things are coming together again,” he said.

Vathaty had played just one List A game and 13 Twenty20 matches. He has been languishing on the sidelines of the Mumbai team in the domestic circuit.

Asked how he managed to play such an innings, a modest Valthaty gave credit to the pitch. “In all fairness, it was a belter of a track. I believed in myself and it came out perfectly. The team believed in me. I worked hard for two months and it paid off.”

Asked how did he feel after scoring the century, Valthaty said :I will never forget that moment. It matters a lot. It is yet to sink in.”

KXIP’s skipper Adam Gilchrist, while talking to reporters, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed today’s game. We got a good start and it was a complete team effort. Valthaty played really well and I enjoyed watching his game.”

“We have got confidence and now our team is looking forward to maintain the winning momentum in the coming game. Chennai Super Kings had lost two wickets for none but still their batsmen played well and gave us a good total to chase,” he added.