Chennai, Oct 1 (NationPress) The excitement was palpable as Puneri Paltan celebrated a spectacular victory against Bengal Warriorz, finishing with a nail-biting score of 49-44. With Aditya Shinde netting 18 points and Pankaj Mohite contributing 10 points, both players achieved Super 10s. Coach Ajay Thakur praised Shinde as a "smart raider" who excels even in challenging situations.

For Coach Thakur, this win highlighted both determination and talent. He remarked, “In the first half we struggled a bit, but the way Aditya and Aslam combined for those crucial tackles in the second half turned the momentum. That was the key moment for us,” commending the composed performance of his young players under pressure.

Thakur emphasized Shinde’s impressive development this season, labeling him a “smart raider who thrives under pressure.” He asserted, “I believe he has the potential to be a star player in this league. What impresses me most is his calmness and discipline.”

Shinde described the vibrant atmosphere in Chennai as remarkable. Having returned from an injury that kept him out during season 11, he attributed his comeback to his coaches and teammates. “This season I came back with a lot of preparation. The confidence my coaches have shown in me has been a big motivation. But what pushes me even more is when I hear the crowd shouting my name in the stadium — it makes me want to do better for the team,” he shared.

Thakur, who has fond memories of Tamil Nadu from his playing days, resonated with that sentiment. “When I played here earlier in my career, I realised what true love from fans feels like. Even today, when the crowd chants your name or paints it on banners, it gives players immense motivation. That energy is unmatched,” he concluded.