After a shaky start, Tamil Thalaivas have found form in recent games mainly owing to the last-ditch efforts of their captain Ajay Thakur. Thakur’s heroics have been a huge feature of the Thalaivas’ season so far. However, another silent hero for the side has been their second most valuable raider K. Prapanjan.

Prapanjan’s consistency has been called into question at times but none can doubt the raider’s commitment to the team’s cause and the support he has provided to Thakur. “Personal performance doesn’t matter to me. Whenever I get an opportunity to play I want to go out and perform for my team,” said Prapanjan in an exclusive interview with prokabaddi.com, “I always play my natural game so that I can lead my team to victory.”

Prapanjan was also thankful for the faith the Tamil Thalaivas team has shown in him. “This season has been memorable for me because previously I did not get to play a lot of matches but after coming to Tamil Thalaivas I am getting more opportunities,” said Prapanjan.

Prapanjan was also all praise for his captain. “He doesn’t hold anyone back,” he said of Thakur, “If he doesn’t get points he is more than willing to give the other raiders a chance to raid. He continues to raid only if he is getting points for the team.”

Even though he has found fame only recently, kabaddi runs in the family for young Prapanjan. “I started playing kabaddi in 10th grade after watching my father, a district-level kabaddi player. Initially I only played in some local tournaments in Tamil Nadu before I was offered a job by Customs. That’s where I was spotted and picked for VIVO Pro Kabaddi,” said Prapanjan.

The 24-year old signed off with some serious advice for younger players stressing the importance of discipline. “A player first needs to give respect to the sport because if you respect the sport only then will the sport respect you,” concluded Prapanjan.