Challenge will be to maintain consistency: Ajay Thakur

CHENNAI: Ajay Thakur remains one of the best things to have happened to Tamil Thalaivas as they make steady progress in their maiden season of the Vivo Pro Kabaddi. In a chat with TOI ahead of the Chennai leg, the 31-year-old spoke on the team, the influence of Sachin Tendulkar and more. Excerpts:
How would you assess the Tamil Thalaivas season so far?
I feel we took some time to get our combination right but I feel we have got that sorted now.Winning the last two matches has definitely boosted our morale as we gear up for the Chennai leg of the competition. The challenge for us will be to maintain consistency but knowing the depth our team, I am sure we will deliver the goods.
Talk us about those last-minute gasps in the last two games?
Our team motto has always been that ‘it’s not over till the last hooter'. So when the opportunity came for me to step up, I made it count. It is important for me as a senior member in the side to put up my best foot forward. More importantly, those wins have given us a lot of momentum going forward in the competition.
What has been the message from your team co-owner Sachin Tendulkar?
We had the opportunity to interact with him during the team jersey launch. More than being the greatest sporting icons the country has ever produced, Sachin is a superb human being. His message to the team was to play hard and win the hearts of the fans.
Your thoughts on the way defender C Arun and raider Prapanjan have performed in the season?
Both of them are extremely valuable to our team. Arun provides a lot of solidity to the team's defence. Also, thanks to his consistency Arun is one of the trusted defenders for us. On the other hand, Prapanjan is having a fantastic tournament and gives us those crucial points. Both are having a wonderful season.
How do you manage your off-season?
Once my season concludes, I get back home and perform my duties as the DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) at Himachal Pradesh.
Have you managed to pick up words in Tamil?
Oh yes, Vanakkam (Hello) is one word I often use and I will pick up more words as the season progresses.