Puneri Paltan drew their second consecutive home game against the Jaipur Pink Panthers on Friday to move closer to the top four in the table. The Paltan who had previously lost two out of their three opening games were able to stop the rot in front of their home fans and edge ahead with the two draws. But apart from the support of their fans, it was the coming to form of Ajay Thakur that really made the difference for the Paltan.
Ajay, who came into the home leg with seven raid points from three matches, bagged eighteen raid points in the two home matches. Facing a depleted U Mumba side, who have also had their troubles with their defence this season, suddenly seems a tasty prospect for a revitalised Ajay Thakur.
Speaking to Sportskeeda ahead of today’s game, the in-form raider vowed to attack U Mumba defence. “I will play my game and that is to attack their defence. We know they are missing key players, but so are we. I don’t think though it will change my approach in any way, I will attack U Mumba today and try and get as much raid points as possible for my team,” said the Puneri Paltan raider
Ajay went one step further, describing the support that his team-mates have been giving him and that has helped him get back to his best after an indifferent start to the season.
“I am the only raider in our team. Since Deepak Hooda is away with the Indian team, the entire responsibility of the raiding department is on my shoulders. But my team-mates have assured me to get me back on the field as quickly as possible, so that’s why I can go all out in the raids,” revealed Ajay Thakur.
The tall Puneri Paltan raider also gave a shout to the fans who have grown in number according to Ajay Thakur, while stating that the growing popularity of the sport has motivated him to perform better.
“I have seen that this season, the crowds are even bigger and better compared to last time. The fan following has increased and everywhere we go, people want to click pictures with us. I find it very motivating that there is so much love for the sport in the country now,” the 29-year-old told Sportskeeda as he concluded his pre-match thoughts.
