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India’s top men’s doubles badminton pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have officially withdrawn from the upcoming BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 due to illness. The announcement was made via a post by BAI Media, the official media handle of the Badminton Association of India, confirming that no replacements will be added to the squad in their absence. This sudden development comes as a major blow to India’s hopes, given Satwik and Chirag’s pivotal role in the national team’s recent successes on the world stage.
Satwik and Chirag have been instrumental in elevating India’s standings in global badminton, winning major titles such as the Asian Games gold and multiple BWF Super Series tournaments. Their partnership has consistently brought in crucial points during team events, and their absence leaves a significant gap in India's lineup. The BAI’s decision not to draft any alternate pair suggests a reliance on the existing squad depth, but it undoubtedly reduces India’s strength, especially in the men’s doubles segment, which has often been a decider in tightly contested ties.
Brief overview of upcoming Sudirman Cup Final
Looking ahead to the Sudirman Cup Finals, India's prospects become more challenging without their star doubles pair. The Sudirman Cup is a prestigious mixed team championship where strength in every discipline; men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles is vital. India has shown steady improvement in the event over the years, including reaching the semifinals in 2023.
The upcoming Finals demand that the remaining squad members step up to fill the void. Young doubles pairs and singles players must shoulder extra responsibility, with strategic match planning becoming even more critical. While India’s squad still boasts talented players like Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu, and Shruti Mishra in doubles, overcoming top-tier opposition will now require exceptional performances across all categories.
