Bhubaneswar : India’s men’s doubles badminton duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have scripted an impressive comeback story, crediting their rise to tactical innovation and the guiding hand of coach Tan Kim Her.
Fresh Strategies for Modern Badminton :
The pair has shifted toward a “side-by-side” formation after the serve, inspired by Tan Kim Her’s advice, enabling better control of opponents’ pushes and quickfire rallies.Service variations—especially Chirag’s newly-developed flat serve—have become crucial weapons, making their game less predictable and more aggressive.
Overcoming Setbacks:
The last 16 months have tested their resilience, with both athletes facing injuries and illnesses that saw their world ranking tumble to 27.Despite these struggles, the duo made a triumphant return to the world’s top-8, highlighted by clinching bronze at the World Championships in Paris and reaching the finals at both the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Masters Super 750.
Key Highlights from the Comeback :
Success stems from learning to vary their tactics, with an emphasis that “the game is too fast now to rely on one style.”Satwik acknowledges their attack remains a strength, but they’re aiming to fortify their defence, especially under pressure—a trait displayed regularly by top Korean pairs.Confidence from recent tough wins against formidable opponents has sparked belief in a brighter run ahead.
Life Beyond the Court :
Both shuttlers are recharging at home with family during the Dussehra break, balancing the grind with downtime.Upcoming: With the French Open and Denmark Open on the horizon, Satwik and Chirag are focused on evolving strategies and taking their newfound confidence into future battles.
“Side-by-side” strategy adds a new dimension.Service variations keep rivals guessing.From world No.27 to No.7, resilience defines the turnaround.Coach Tan’s motivational touch fuels their journey.Defense remains a work in progress.The belief is: “Once you start, there’s no stopping!”
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