A compelling storyline is unfolding at the Syed Modi International 2025, and it centres around a clash that has quickly become one of the most intriguing mixed doubles matchups on the Indian badminton circuit.
With newly formed pair Hariharan-Treesa advancing confidently through the early rounds, they now stand on course for a high-voltage showdown against India’s established mixed doubles No. 2 pair, Rohan Kapoor / Ruthvika Shivani Gadde. What was initially viewed as a routine progression for the seeded pair has now transformed into a marquee contest, thanks to the rapid rise of Hariharan and Treesa and their increasingly compelling gameplay.
The narrative gained traction on social media when badminton analyst Shivendu Chaudhary framed the matchup as an “intriguing clash,” noting that while Rohan/Gadde bring experience and a steady world ranking to the contest, the energetic new pairing of Hariharan/Treesa offers a fresh level of dynamism. The assessment reflects a growing sentiment in the badminton community: the established hierarchy in Indian mixed doubles is under pressure from fast-improving, high-tempo combinations capable of upsetting the domestic order.
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The contrast between the two pairs sets up a compelling tactical and emotional battle. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde, currently positioned around the world No. 33–35 mark and seeded second in this tournament, represent stability, experience, and a well-defined mixed doubles structure. Their compact win in the opening round at Syed Modi displayed their trademark qualities accuracy, control, and the ability to dictate tempo against lower-ranked opponents. As India’s No. 2 pair, they have earned their reputation through sustained top-40 performances and several deep runs at higher-tier Super 500 and 750 tournaments.
Yet, the pair also carries a well-documented challenge: the difficulty of closing matches against stronger or equally matched opponents. Their 2025 season includes close contests where they troubled elite pairs but failed to convert narrow leads into victories a pattern that leaves them vulnerable against fearless, high-energy challengers. A prime illustration is their three-game loss to French stars Gicquel/Delrue at the French Open Super 750.
After winning the opening game 23-21, they collapsed 8-21 in the second, eventually losing the decider. This inconsistency under late-game pressure remains a tactical red flag, especially heading into a clash with a pair as aggressive as Hariharan/Treesa.
Hariharan/Treesa: A Pair Fuelled by Form, Flair and Front-Court Firepower
If Rohan/Gadde represent structure, then Hariharan Amsakarunan and Treesa Jolly stand as the embodiment of momentum. Formed only recently, the pair wasted no time in making an international impact winning the Türkiye International Challenge 2025 and showcasing a tactical identity built around speed, pressure and offensive clarity. Hariharan’s form is particularly noteworthy; riding a wave of titles across mixed and men’s doubles, he enters this tournament with confidence and rhythm unmatched by many Indian players at the moment.
Treesa Jolly, meanwhile, is the X-factor. A top-tier women’s doubles specialist ranked inside the world’s top 15, she brings elite net skills, fast hands, and the rare ability to rotate efficiently into the backcourt traits that make her uniquely valuable in mixed doubles. Unlike traditional XD formations where the female player is confined to the front, Treesa’s ability to attack from mid-court and rear positions gives the pair a structural unpredictability that rivals struggle to contain. For a pair like Rohan/Gadde, who thrive on rhythm and structured rallies, this unpredictability could become a significant stress point.
Their strong win over Ishaan Bhatnagar/Aradhana Balachandra (21-13, 21-17), as highlighted in the viral post, further validated their rising form and set the stage for this much-anticipated Round of 16 clash.
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This is not just a meeting of two pairs it is a collision of philosophies.
- Rohan/Gadde rely on measured transitions, steady defence, and patient buildup.
- Hariharan/Treesa thrive on early initiative, sharp interception, and high-risk attacking patterns.
The clash becomes particularly fascinating when considering how their strengths interact. For example, Rohan/Gadde’s tendency to struggle after losing tight first games aligns directly with the aggressive, momentum-heavy style Hariharan/Treesa bring. If the new pair can force early scoreboard pressure, they may drag the seeds into uncomfortable patterns, amplifying existing vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, the seeded pair’s experience and tournament maturity could impose structure on a young pair still learning to manage their high tempo in longer rallies. The tactical discipline of Rohan and the steady net presence of Gadde can silence high-variance opposition if they settle early.
A Match With Broader Implications
Beyond individual match stakes, the outcome carries weight for Indian badminton’s evolving competitive map. Mixed doubles has historically lagged behind men’s and women’s doubles in depth within India, but the emergence of combinations like Hariharan/Treesa signals a shift. A win here would elevate them into serious contention as future challengers to India’s top-ranked pair Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto, reshaping the internal competition heading into the 2026 season.
For Rohan/Gadde, this match is a chance to reinforce their national hierarchy, fend off fast-rising rivals, and demonstrate that experience still outweighs new-wave momentum.
Whichever way the result swings, the clash promises pace, personality, and tactical theatre. It is a match that captures the essence of a transition phase in Indian mixed doubles—a rising pair with limitless momentum facing a steady, seasoned duo determined to defend their territory.
One thing is certain: the Syed Modi International 2025 has found its standout domestic showdown.
