Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, the formidable Indian men’s doubles pair often dubbed the “Brothers of Destruction,” & Satwik-Chirag have advanced to the quarterfinals of the prestigious Indonesia Open Super 1000 tournament after surviving two high-pressure matches in back-to-back rounds.
Their path to the last eight has been anything but straightforward, but once again, the world-class duo has delivered when it mattered.
Round of 32: Toppling the Indonesian Hopes
The tournament began with a tricky encounter for the Indian pair as they faced Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin — a crowd favourite playing on home soil. The match started with the Indians dropping the opening game 18-21. A slow start and some errors allowed the Indonesians to take control early.
The second game saw the Indians trailing 4-9 at one stage. But as they have so often done, Satwik and Chirag found their rhythm under pressure. Improved service returns and net play, especially from Chirag, helped them mount a comeback. They won the second game 21-18.
In the decider, it was all India. With momentum on their side, they maintained control and pushed ahead to close out the match 18-21, 21-18, 21-14. That win put them into the Round of 16 — the last remaining Indian pair in the men’s doubles draw.
Round of 16: Danish Challenge and a Thriller
The round of 16 brought a formidable test in the form of Rasmus Kjær and Frederik Søgaard from Denmark. The Danes are known for their tactical awareness and defensive discipline, and they showed just that by taking the first game 21-16 — a game where they never trailed.
It was a rough start for the Indian pair. Their services lacked precision, and the Danish pair capitalised on every opportunity at the net. But after the change of ends, Satwik and Chirag lifted their level. With better coordination and more assertive net presence, they responded strongly to clinch the second game 21-18 and push the match into a decider.
The third game was a battle of nerves. India trailed again at 14-17, with the Danish pair executing some fine angled returns and rallies. But just like in the previous round, the Indians regrouped. A mix of powerful smashes and a couple of well-placed service winners brought them back level. They even faced one match point at 19-20, but held firm under pressure.
At 20-20, Chirag served with precision, pushing the Danes into an error. Satwik then followed up with a strong return to force the final error and close out the game 22-20.
Tactical Growth Under Pressure
What stood out across both matches was the Indians’ ability to manage momentum swings. Even when they were not in full control, their shot selection, patience during long rallies, and improved service game gave them the edge. Chirag’s aggressive front-court play paired with Satwik’s rear-court firepower created multiple break points in crucial moments.
While their first-game starts remain an area of concern, especially against elite opponents who convert early leads, their mid-match adaptability is proving to be their biggest strength.
The Last Indians Standing
With the mixed doubles and women’s doubles teams bowing out earlier in the day, Satwik and Chirag are now India’s only remaining representatives at the Indonesia Open 2025. Their presence in the quarterfinals continues a trend of deep runs at major tournaments — a testament to their consistency at the highest level.
This Super 1000 event is one of the most competitive tournaments on the BWF World Tour, and a strong performance here will not only add to their ranking points but also serve as crucial preparation ahead of the World Championships later this year.
The quarterfinals will present another significant hurdle, likely against a top-seeded pair. But with two hard-fought wins already under their belt, Satwik and Chirag will carry confidence, match sharpness, and momentum into the next round.
Their fighting spirit, combined with tactical clarity, makes them serious contenders as the tournament heads into its final stretch.
Match Summary – Indonesia Open 2025
Round of 32
🇮🇳 Satwik/Chirag def. 🇮🇩 Leo/Bagas
18-21, 21-18, 21-14
Round of 16
🇮🇳 Satwik/Chirag def. 🇩🇰 Kjær/Søgaard
16-21, 21-18, 22-20
India pins its hopes on the “Brothers of Destruction” as they march on to yet another Super 1000 quarterfinal. Stay tuned.
