India’s premier men’s doubles badminton duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have staged a remarkable resurgence, climbing from a world ranking of 27 to No. 7 in just months, following a challenging period marked by injuries and illness. Their recent achievements, including a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships in Paris and finals appearances at the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Masters Super 750, underscore their evolution under the guidance of Malaysian coach Tan Kim Her. The pair attributes their success to adopting a versatile side-by-side strategy and refining service variations to adapt to the fast-paced nature of modern badminton.

The duo’s shift to a side-by-side approach, moving away from their traditional front-and-back style, has proven effective in recent tournaments. Chirag explained, “After service, one of us splits to the front court to catch pushes, allowing us to control rallies better.” This tactical adjustment, inspired by global trends and encouraged by Coach Tan, has been pivotal in their ability to counter opponents’ aggressive plays. Additionally, Chirag’s development of a flat serve has become a key weapon, with the pair emphasizing the need for multiple scoring strategies. “The game is too fast to rely on one style,” Chirag noted, highlighting their focus on adaptability.

Despite their attacking prowess, Satwik acknowledged that their defense requires improvement to compete with top pairs like the Koreans, who excel under pressure. “We tend to attack when rallies heat up, but strong defense at crucial moments could take us further,” he said. The last 16 months tested their resilience, with Satwik recovering from a shoulder injury and Chirag overcoming fitness challenges. Their World Championships bronze, their second after 2022, restored their confidence, enabling them to defeat formidable opponents and reach consecutive finals. “Winning tough matches gave us belief again,” Chirag reflected.

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Under Coach Tan’s mentorship, who has fostered a deep bond with the pair since their formative years, Satwik and Chirag are poised for further success. Currently enjoying a brief break to celebrate Dussehra with family and friends, they are gearing up for the French Open and Denmark Open. With nine BWF World Tour titles and a hunger for a 10th, the duo is focused on refining their strategies and maintaining their momentum. Their journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability, positioning them as frontrunners in global badminton.

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