Kings XI Punjab star Paul Valthaty is the undisputed star of 2011 Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament. He is almost single-handedly carrying the fortunes of this IPL team on his shoulders. He played miserably for Rajasthan Royals in the earlier editions of IPL. But, Kings XI management showed faith on this cricketer's abilities.  He is now proudly wearing orange cap – beating competition from world class players like Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers. Indian selectors will pick him for West Indies tour as senior players are taking rest. This is another excellent chance for Valthaty to prove his class on the international stage.  Indian junior selectors spotted his talent in the early days of his career and picked him for 2002 U-19 World cup along with Irfan Pathan, Siddharth Trivedi, Mohnish Mishra, Mininder Bisla and Parthiv Patel. But, an injury to left eye spoiled his budding career. He then played just one first class match for Mumbai in 2006 against Baroda.  Paul Valthaty profile:  Age: 27 years (7-12-1983)  Birthplace: Mumbai  His family belongs to Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh but they settled in Mumbai.  Father: Chandrasekhar (Panyam mandal, Kurnool district) – Retired L&T employee.  Mother: Chandravathi (Doctor – Nandyal)  Sisters: 3 – all are doctors.  Favourite cricketer: Kapil Dev  IPL 2011 records by Paul Valthaty:  1. First player to score a century in IPL 4.  2. First cricketer in IPL to take 4 wickets & score 50 runs in the same IPL T20 match.  Performance of Paul Valthaty in IPL 2011:  1. Vs Pune Warriors: 6 runs in 6 balls.  2. Vs Chennai: 120 runs in 63 balls - First centurion in IPL 4 - Man of the match.  3. Vs Deccan Chargers: 75 runs in 47 balls. 29/4 in 4 overs - Man of the match.  4. Vs Rajasthan Royals: 46 runs in 31 balls  He may play for India & Mumbai Ranji team in 2011-12 season - Thanks to IPL tournament. This young man from well … [Read more...]