New Delhi, Jun 26 : Seven weeks of Indian Premier League has turned Paul Valthaty from a rank outsider to a household name and he is enjoying every bit of his stardom but is keen to retain the humility which has been the hallmark of his two role models Sachin Tendulkar and Roger Federer.
”I have always looked up to Roger Federer and Sachin Tendulkar for inspiration. They are the true champions and their achievements really inspires me,” the Kings XI Punjab player said during an interaction.
When asked about how much life has changed post- IPL , he said, “It feels nice that people recognise you. But for my friends, I am the same Paul that I used to be before IPL. They would play the same pranks and call me by those nicknames that has stuck with me for years.
”I am indebted to friends like Abhishek Nayar , Bhavik Thakkar, Kshemal Waigankar who supported me after my eye-injury. Those were tough days and these guys stood by me. I would also mention about my employers Air India who helped me as I was regularly getting my salary,” said an emotional Valthaty.
With 463 runs and seven wickets in the fourth edition of the IPL, Valthaty's new challenge will be to prove his detractors wrong that he is a ‘one-season wonder' like Swapnil Asnodkar who was smash-hit for Rajasthan Royals in the first edition before fading into oblivion. PTI
