Laxmipathy Balaji is a former Indian cricket player. He played as a fast bowler. Known for his skill and focus. He also worked as a coach after retiring. A respected figure in cricket.
Biography
| Full Name | Laxmipathy Balaji |
|---|---|
| Profession | Indian cricket coach and former international cricketer |
| Current Role | Bowling coach for Chennai Super Kings (IPL team) |
| Notable Achievements | First IPL hat-trick; Known as a “smiling assassin” for his constant smile on field |
| Playing Style | Lean, lanky fast bowler with an open-chested bowling action |
| Injuries | Underwent back surgery; had a long injury period lasting almost 3 years |
| IPL Teams Represented | Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings |
| IPL Salary | Varied; details available on MoneyBall InsideSport |
| Place of Birth / Residence | Tamil Nadu, India / Austin, Texas, United States |
| Additional Info |
– Often considered one of the most underrated bowlers in Indian cricket history. – Known for motivation and resilience after injury. – Frequently compared or mentioned with players like Shoaib Akhtar. – Married to Priya Thalur. – Has a profile on major cricket sites such as Wikipedia, ESPNcricinfo, and Cricbuzz. |
Early Life
Laxmipathy Balaji was born and raised in a middle-class family. He grew up in Chennai, India. From a young age, he loved cricket and worked hard to improve his skills. Later, he moved to different places for his cricket career but always stayed connected to his roots. His early life shows the story of a simple boy with big dreams.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Laxmipathy | He supported Balaji from childhood. He helped Balaji grow in a middle-class family. He values education and hard work. |
| Mother | Mallika | Mallika always cared for Balaji and his sisters. She was proud of her son’s achievements. She encouraged education and values. |
| Sister | Vijayalakshmy | She is the elder sister. She studied engineering. She helped Balaji stay focused and calm during tough times. |
| Sister | (Name not public) | Balaji has another elder sister. She also pursued engineering. Both sisters supported Balaji in his career and life. |
Laxmipathy Balaji comes from a family that values education and support. His parents, Laxmipathy and Mallika, raised him with care. Both his elder sisters studied engineering. The family helped Balaji follow his dreams in cricket while keeping strong family bonds. They lived a simple life with good values. This support was important for Balaji’s success.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Age | Born 29 September 1981 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Cricket Trainer |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Laxmipathy Balaji is currently married to Priya Thalur. She is a model and former Miss Chennai. They were engaged in a private ceremony and later got married. The marriage date is not widely publicized, but their wedding was celebrated with close family and friends.
About Priya Thalur
Priya Thalur is known for her work as a model. She has been associated with beauty pageants and has a calm and friendly personality. She supports Balaji in his career and personal life.
There are no public records or reports of Laxmipathy Balaji having any other wives or girlfriends before Priya Thalur.
| Partner | Relationship Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priya Thalur | Wife | Married | Model and former Miss Chennai; married after engagement |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Laxmipathy Balaji is an Indian cricket player. He became known for his bowling skills. People noticed him when he played important matches for India. One special moment was when he took a wicket in the first over of a Test match in Brisbane. This was the first time an Indian bowler did this. This made him popular among cricket fans.
Balaji started his cricket career playing for Tamil Nadu, his home state. His good performance helped him get a place in the Indian national team. He played as a medium-fast bowler. He was known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball.
Balaji played in many important matches for India in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. He also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he made history by taking the first hat-trick in the tournament. This was a notable achievement and made him stand out.
Unfortunately, injuries affected his career. He had problems with his back and other parts of his body. These injuries made it hard for him to play consistently at the highest level.
While Balaji did not receive many big awards, he earned respect from fans and experts for his fighting spirit. His hat-trick in the IPL is remembered as a great moment. He also played a key role in several important wins for India and Tamil Nadu.
Balaji’s career was mostly free from major controversies. He was known as a disciplined and hardworking player. There were no big scandals or problems reported about him. The challenges he faced were mostly due to injuries and tough competition in the team.
Laxmipathy Balaji is remembered as a talented bowler who had some important moments in Indian cricket. His start in Tamil Nadu cricket and rise to the national team showed his skill. The first IPL hat-trick is a highlight of his career. Though injuries stopped him from playing more, his contributions are still valued. He stayed away from controversies and earned respect through hard work.
Faq
Who Is Laxmipathy Balaji?
Laxmipathy Balaji is a former Indian cricket player. He played as a fast bowler for the Indian national team. He is known for his skill in bowling and his contribution to Indian cricket.
When Did Laxmipathy Balaji Play Cricket?
Balaji played international cricket mainly between 2003 and 2008. He also played in domestic cricket leagues before and after this time.
What Teams Did Balaji Play For?
He played for India in international matches. In domestic cricket, he played for Tamil Nadu. He also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
What Is Laxmipathy Balaji Doing Now?
After retiring from playing, Balaji works as a cricket coach and commentator. He helps young players improve their skills and talks about cricket on TV.
Did Balaji Have Any Big Achievements?
Yes. He helped India win many matches with his bowling. He played in important tournaments and was part of teams that won trophies.
Why Is Balaji Important In Indian Cricket?
He was one of the fast bowlers who made a good impact when India needed strong bowling. His work helped the team in many matches.

Mayank Chaudhary is a former Indian domestic cricketer, now working as a cricket analyst. With years of on-field experience and deep insight into the dynamics of the game and the world of cricket betting, he now shares his expertise to help fellow cricket enthusiasts make smarter, more informed bets. Learn more on the About Me page.