Chennai, Oct 1 (NationPress) After Puneri Paltan harnessed the electrifying energy of the crowd to achieve a remarkable double over Bengal Warriorz, securing a nail-biting 49-44 victory, Aditya Shinde (18 points) and Pankaj Mohite (10 points) both notched Super 10s. Coach Ajay Thakur praised Shinde as a "smart raider" capable of excelling in challenging circumstances.

For coach Thakur, this triumph was equally about grit and talent. “In the initial half, we faced some hurdles, but the synergy between Aditya and Aslam during those pivotal tackles in the second half shifted the momentum. That was our turning point,” Thakur commented, commending the composure displayed by his younger players under duress.

The coach emphasized Shinde’s progress this season, labeling him a “smart raider” who can succeed even in adversity. “I see immense potential in him to emerge as a star in this league. What stands out to me is his poise and discipline,” he remarked.

Shinde himself found the atmosphere in Chennai to be truly extraordinary. After recovering from an injury that kept him out during season 11, the raider attributed his comeback to the support of his coaches and teammates. “This season, I returned after extensive preparation. The trust my coaches have placed in me fuels my motivation. Yet, what inspires me the most is hearing the crowd chant my name — it drives me to perform better for our team,” he shared.

Thakur, who has a profound bond with Tamil Nadu from his playing days, echoed this sentiment. “During my earlier career here, I learned what authentic fan love feels like. Even now, when the audience chants your name or displays it on banners, it provides immense motivation to players. That kind of energy is unparalleled,” he concluded.