PKL 12: Coach Ajay Thakur praises Chennai fans for their unmatched love & support

Puneri Paltan registered their seventh win in PKL 12 by defeating Bengal Warriorz.

The SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai once again proved why it is one of the most electric venues in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12).

On Tuesday night, Puneri Paltan rode the wave of crowd energy to complete the double over Bengal Warriorz, clinching a thrilling 49-44 win in a contest that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Paltan’s young guns led the charge, with Aditya Shinde (18 points) and Pankaj Mohite (10 points) registering Super 10s. But even in defeat, Warriorz’s Devank Dalal stole the spotlight with a mammoth 25-point effort, becoming the first raider to cross 150 raid points in PKL 12.

Ajay Thakur on Puneri Paltan’s win

For coach Ajay Thakur, the victory was as much about resilience as it was about skill. “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,” Thakur said, praising the composure of his youngsters under pressure.

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Ajay Thakur on Akash Shinde’s performance

Puneri Paltan‘s coach also highlighted Shinde’s rise this season, calling him a “smart raider with the ability to thrive even in the toughest situations.” He added, “I believe he has the potential to be a star player in this league. What impresses me most is his calmness and discipline.”

Akash Shinde on Chennai’s atmosphere

For Shinde, the atmosphere in Chennai has been nothing short of special. Returning from an injury that sidelined him in season 11, the raider credited his coaches and teammates for his resurgence.

“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 said.

Ajay Thakur on Chennai’s fanbase

Thakur, who has a deep connection with Tamil Nadu from his playing days, echoed 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.

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