Jaipur, Sep 24 (NationPress) The captain of Puneri Paltan, Aslam Inamdar, candidly expressed his approach to balancing his dual roles as a raider and team leader, stating, "I don’t let the raider in me affect my captaincy." He emphasized, “You must adapt to the game’s requirements. With 15 years of experience, I am aware of my capabilities and possess confidence. Sometimes, prioritizing the team over personal scoring is essential. Even if an individual achieves 200–250 points in a season, it doesn't matter if the team ends up 8th, 9th, or 12th. My role as captain is to maintain stability on the mat, regardless of my individual performance. Ultimately, winning is what counts. During a raid, I fully commit, as I've recovered from an injury and believe I can excel further. I'm pleased with my current performance, making decisions that serve the team,” Inamdar shared during the Media Day event hosted by JioStar.

When discussing the team’s ethos under head coach Ajay Thakur, he remarked, “Improvement is an ongoing journey; stagnation is not an option. There will be moments of weakness and off days. The coach and I remind the players, ‘When faced with defeat, it’s not the end; when victorious, avoid complacency. Learn and advance, as negative thoughts lead to challenges.’ Ajay Thakur and I consistently collaborate to address our weaknesses. His message is straightforward: ‘Play your game, perform well, and ensure the team prevails.’ He believes in our abilities and provides guidance on areas for enhancement. His understanding of us is what makes this team unique.”

Currently, Puneri Paltan is leading the points table with 12 points from nine matches played. Reflecting on the team's synergy and long-term relationships, Inamdar stated, “Each season's auctions introduce new players, and some teams rebuild from scratch, which can be challenging since chemistry takes time. Our advantage is that many of us have spent the year with Yuva Paltan (Puneri Paltan’s youth academy), leading to effective combinations. I am familiar with the players and they with me, fostering high confidence. We have been playing together for 5–7 years. Continuous collaboration throughout the year enhances our understanding of one another, making a significant difference.”

Inamdar also shared insights on his connection with teammates such as Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite.

“Training with Yuva Paltan since 2021 has allowed us to become well-acquainted with each other's game, both mentally and physically. This familiarity boosts our confidence during matches, as we understand who can handle pressure and achieve points in various scenarios. This synergy is invaluable for the team. Overall, our camaraderie is exceptional, and it is evident,” he concluded.