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The Sudirman Cup 2025 presents a formidable challenge for India, particularly given the absence of key doubles players. The Thomas Cup victory in 2022 and the Asia Team Championships win in 2024 raised expectations for Indian badminton in team events, fostering a belief that the nation could compete against the world's best. However, the current situation reflects a subdued build-up, mirroring India's inconsistent performances on the BWF World Tour. A fully fit squad would have significantly improved India's chances, especially considering the recent progress in men's and women's doubles. The absence of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (SatChi), along with Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand (TreGa), represents a major setback. These pairs, when in form, are capable of challenging any team in the world. Satwik is recovering from an illness, while Chirag is dealing with a lower back issue that forced their withdrawal from the All England Open. Treesa and Gayatri are also carrying niggles, preventing them from participating in the tournament. The Sudirman Cup is known for testing the depth of a nation's badminton talent pool. The 2025 edition features the top 16 teams, vying for the title after qualifying through continental events and world rankings. China remains the dominant force, boasting exceptional talent across all five disciplines. While other nations have occasionally triumphed in men's and women's World Team events, China is the overwhelming favorite in the mixed team event. India faces a difficult Group D, which includes second-seeded Indonesia, European powerhouse Denmark, and England. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, making the task even more challenging. The onus falls on Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu, and HS Prannoy to guide India through this tough group stage. The lack of depth in men's doubles is particularly concerning. Beyond SatChi, the next-ranked pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, are ranked 41st in the world, and no backup has been named. This situation presents a significant opportunity for these younger players to gain valuable experience at a high level. Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam have more experience in women's doubles, but India might consider using Tanisha Crasto in a scratch pairing if necessary. A similar strategy could be employed with Dhruv Kapila in men's doubles, as unconventional combinations are common in such team events. A positive development for India has been the emergence of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila as a mixed doubles pair. Currently ranked 17th in the world, they were India's last contenders at the Asia Championships and have been steadily improving. India's path to victory likely hinges on winning both singles matches and securing an upset in mixed doubles to win three out of five matches in a tie. Indonesia and Denmark also face challenges, but they still possess greater depth across all disciplines. Anthony Ginting is currently out of action, and Indonesia recently lost Gregoria Mariska Tunjung due to injuries. Jonatan Christie leads the Indonesian team, and they have a strong doubles contingent, making them the group favorites. This means India faces a crucial match against Denmark on the first day. Sindhu, Lakshya, and Prannoy must secure a victory to keep India in contention for a quarterfinal berth. Former Danish coach and commentator Steen Pedersen suggests a close match. Denmark is missing key players like Viktor Axelsen, Rasmus Gemke, Frederik Sogaard, and Mia Blichfeldt. Their established women's doubles pair has retired, and the men's doubles team has been struggling with injuries. Pedersen wrote on X that the first match against India will be thrilling. If Sindhu can win her match, and the men's singles player can upset Anders Antonsen, the outcome could be very interesting. Regardless of their chances of advancing to the knockout stage, the Sudirman Cup provides an opportunity for the Indian contingent to reignite their competitive spirit after a disappointing year. Team events often bring out the best in players, creating an atmosphere that they don't experience on the individual tour.
The dynamics of team events in badminton can be quite different from individual tournaments. The pressure of representing the nation and the collective support from teammates can often elevate performances. Players might push themselves beyond their usual limits, driven by the desire to contribute to the team's success. This is particularly relevant for India, where the absence of key players places a greater burden on those who are participating. Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy, both experienced singles players, will need to be at their best to secure crucial points for the team. PV Sindhu, a seasoned campaigner and Olympic medalist, will be expected to lead the women's singles charge and inspire her teammates. The doubles pairings, both established and improvised, will need to demonstrate resilience and strategic acumen to overcome their opponents. The coaching staff will also play a vital role in formulating match strategies and motivating the players to perform at their peak. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each opponent will be crucial in deciding the team composition for each tie. The mental aspect of the game will be just as important as the physical skills. The players need to maintain composure under pressure and believe in their ability to win, even when facing challenging circumstances. The Sudirman Cup is not just about individual brilliance; it's about teamwork, coordination, and a collective determination to succeed. The spirit of camaraderie and mutual support can make a significant difference in close matches. The tournament provides a platform for younger players like Hariharan Amsakarunan, Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, Shruti Mishra, and Priya Konjengbam to gain valuable experience playing alongside more established players. They can learn from their seniors and develop their skills in a high-pressure environment. This exposure can be crucial for their future development as badminton players.
The strategic aspect of the Sudirman Cup is particularly fascinating. Unlike individual tournaments where players focus solely on their own matches, the Sudirman Cup requires a broader understanding of the overall team dynamics. Coaches and team captains need to carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents to determine the optimal lineup for each tie. They must consider factors such as player form, head-to-head records, and the potential for tactical matchups. The order in which the matches are played can also be strategically determined to maximize the team's chances of success. For example, a team might choose to field its strongest players in the early matches to build momentum and put pressure on the opposition. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is also essential. If a player is struggling during a match, the coach might need to make adjustments to the strategy or provide additional support and encouragement. The Sudirman Cup also presents unique challenges for players who are accustomed to playing individual tournaments. They need to learn to trust their teammates and work together towards a common goal. Communication and coordination are crucial for doubles pairings, especially when playing against experienced opponents. The players also need to be mentally prepared for the possibility of playing multiple matches in a short period of time. This requires a high level of fitness and stamina. The Sudirman Cup is a demanding tournament that tests the physical, mental, and strategic capabilities of all participants. While India faces an uphill battle in the 2025 edition due to the absence of key players, the tournament provides a valuable opportunity for the team to showcase its talent and determination. The experience gained from competing against some of the world's best badminton players will undoubtedly benefit the Indian contingent in the long run.
Source: Sudirman Cup 2025: Depleted India hope PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen lead from the front in tricky group