Kings X1 Punjab
The lucrative IPL is an excellent podium for fresh talent. The Indian domestic class players in particular have a brilliant opportunity here to perform well and make it big on a global stage. ‘Ranji Player’ is one designation where an aspiring individual for the national team combats. But, since the Professional Twenty over league has been executed, the mindset of the youngsters has changed. Now, every aspiring player wishes for a berth in an IPL franchise. This is like the world for a greenhorn.
We need not wonder why this is so!
The global platform, the aura of dexterous senior players, the intensity and the competence on the field make this league the first step which a newbie or an even an experienced Ranji player wants to take for an entry into the national side. In the previous versions as well we have witnessed star IPL performers like Ashwin, Kohli or Irfan given heed for national team selection. Set aside the 20 over game, it can even lend a fellow a ticket to ODI format if he is good enough!
Yesterday, billions across the orb witnessed the mesmerizing 120 runs inning of a new hero in the making – Paul Valthaty. Punjab playing home were ecstatic when they found this guy cut loose. Even after the loss of the destructive Gilchrist this man continued the attack and bludgeoned the Chennai bowlers. His blitzkrieg innings was paced at a strike rate of 190.47! He enchanted the home crowd with ferocious pulls and spectacular sweeps. Every Chennai bowler was smashed by this young man.
The good part of his innings was it was a mixture of delicate strokes and slogging. Whilst, he played delicate and intelligent strokes – wisely steadyingthe ball in the gaps for singles and doubles, he alsokept the momentum up for Punjab hammering Jakati and Randiv. The Chennai bowlers headed by likes of Southee looked toothless and flattery.
Paul was surprisingly sent up the order above S.Marsh to open the innings. He did justice to the position. Now, it will be interesting to see what the management has in stores for this young chap who has earlier also been a part of Indian U-19 WC team in 2002.
Again this brings us to the fact – India has immense batting talent. On previous occasions as well we have seen various players like Manish Pandey previous IPL or Mohnish Mishra recently fare extremely well. The need of the hour is to improvise and work on this talent. We don’t need another flash in the pan.
We need someone at the roots to labour, direct and mould this talent to take proper shape. Many players have displayed spark in IPL. Now, where they head in future will be interesting to see. Let’s wait and watch!
Tags: Chennai Super Kings, Cricket, CSK, Indian Premier League, IPL, IPL 2011, IPL 4, Kings X1 Punjab, KXIP, Paul Valthaty
