Remember Paul Valthaty? The Indian batter, who made headlines in IPL 2011 with a spectacular century for Kings XI Punjab, has taken on a new coaching role in the USA. After his standout performance against Chennai Super Kings, Valthaty’s career faded, and he last played in the IPL in 2013. Now 40, he has been appointed as the head coach of the Minor League Cricket (MiLC) franchise Seattle Thunderbolts.
Valthaty’s memorable 63-ball 120 against CSK in IPL 2011 was the second-highest individual score by an Indian at that time, and he ended the season as the sixth-highest run-scorer, with Punjab just missing the playoffs. After suffering an eye injury during the 2002 U19 World Cup, he retired from first-class cricket on June 18, 2023.
Minor League Cricket (MiLC) was launched by USA Cricket in 2021 as a developmental T20 league alongside Major League Cricket (MLC). The league features 26 teams across northern, southern, central, and western conferences. The Seattle Thunderbolts, who won the MiLC’s second season in 2022, are part of the Western Conference.
The Thunderbolts recently announced on Instagram: ‘Seattle Thunderbolts have just added a big hitter to their lineup—off the field! We’re thrilled to welcome Paul Valthaty, the former Kings XI Punjab sensation, as our Head Coach. With three half-centuries and a century in his career, Valthaty knows how to turn singles into boundaries and sixes. Get ready for a power-packed season with Paul at the helm!’