Key Highlights:
Sudirman Cup 2025: India Faces Daunting Challenge in Group of Death
As the prestigious Sudirman Cup kicks off in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4, 2025, India finds itself up against the odds, placed in a challenging group while missing top-ranked doubles players due to injuries. The biennial mixed-team badminton championship will test India’s depth, resilience, and strategic acumen.
India’s Group D draw includes badminton heavyweights Indonesia and Denmark, along with England. With only two teams from each group qualifying for the quarterfinals, every tie is critical.
Key Withdrawals Shake India’s Hopes
India’s chances were severely dented with the withdrawal of star men’s doubles duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, and women’s pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. Both duos have been central to India’s recent team competition successes.
Their absence places the spotlight squarely on singles aces PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, who now bear the burden of leading India’s campaign in the Sudirman Cup.
Full Indian Squad for Sudirman Cup
Despite the setbacks, India has fielded a promising squad with a mix of experienced and emerging talent:
- Men’s Singles: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy
- Women’s Singles: PV Sindhu, Anupama Upadhyaya
- Men’s Doubles: Hariharan Amsakarunan & Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi
- Women’s Doubles: Tanisha Crasto & Priya Konjengbam
- Mixed Doubles: Dhruv Kapila & Shruti Mishra, Sathish Kumar & Aadya Variyath
Newer pairs stepping in are eager but relatively untested on such a stage, raising questions about India’s overall depth in doubles play.
Fixtures and Broadcast Details
India’s group-stage match schedule is as follows:
- April 27: India vs Denmark
- April 29: India vs Indonesia
- May 1: India vs England
All matches begin at 2:30 PM IST. Viewers can catch the live action on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD. Streaming will be available on JioCinema and Hotstar. Global audiences can also watch matches on BWF’s official YouTube channel, BWF TV.
What This Means for You
- Badminton Fans: Expect high-stakes, tightly contested matches as India battles global powerhouses.
- Young Players: A golden opportunity for emerging talents to gain international exposure.
- Coaches and Analysts: India’s squad depth and strategy will be key indicators ahead of the Olympics 2028 cycle.
What Lies Ahead
The Sudirman Cup presents both a challenge and an opportunity for India. While injuries have forced a reshuffling of the squad, the tournament provides a platform for upcoming players to prove their mettle. With Sindhu and Sen leading from the front, Indian fans remain hopeful for a spirited showing.
Advancement to the quarterfinals will require not just skill but resilience, smart pairing, and perhaps a bit of fortune against higher-ranked opponents.
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