For nearly a decade, Srikanth Kidambi has carried the weight of Indian badminton’s expectations. Peaks, valleys, injuries, comebacks he has seen it all. Yet in 2025, at 32, the veteran shuttler is scripting a fresh chapter, one built on resilience, renewed hunger and a rediscovered sense of freedom in his game.
On Saturday, Srikanth booked his place in the Syed Modi India International final, defeating fellow Indian Mithun Manjunath 21–15, 19–21, 21–13 in a tense, physically demanding semifinal that stretched over an hour. The win not only sends him into his second final of the year, but also pushes him up the world rankings to WR 34, marking his highest position in several months.
For the former World No. 1, this run in Lucknow carries emotional weight. It is his first Syed Modi final since 2016, the year he won the title and began his ascent towards becoming one of the sport’s most feared attackers.
A Semifinal That Tested Every Ounce of Experience
The all-Indian clash against Mithun Manjunath was anything but straightforward. Srikanth began sharply, using his trademark forehand jump smashes and early interceptions to take the opening game 21–15. His rhythm looked clean, and his body language confident a promising sign for someone whose past few seasons were disrupted by repetitive inconsistencies.
But Mithun, one of the tour’s most hardworking grinders, responded well in the second game. His flatter exchanges and disciplined length pinned Srikanth to the backcourt, forcing the veteran to defend more than he would have liked. Mithun claimed the second game 21–19, pushing the contest into a decider.
That proved to be the turning point. Drawing on years of big-match experience, Srikanth lifted his pace at the start of the final game, establishing a lead by mixing sharp half-smashes with well-placed pushes that kept Mithun off balance. As the rallies grew longer, Srikanth’s shuttle control and tactical clarity stood out. He closed the match confidently at 21–13, sealing a memorable victory.
A Run Strengthened by Convincing Wins
The semifinal was the only match where Srikanth dropped a game all week. Before that, he had moved through the draw with assurance:
- Round of 32: def. Kavin Kavin Thangam 21–13, 21–10
- Round of 16: def. S. Dayanand 21–6, 21–16
- Quarterfinal: led 21–14, 11–4 when Priyanshu Rajawat retired
The variety of opponents from the young, rising Kavin to the explosive Rajawat tested different facets of his game. Through it all, Srikanth’s hallmark traits returned: fluid movement, proactive net play, and an ability to dictate patterns rather than react to them.
For fans who have long rooted for his resurgence, this week has felt like a welcome reminder of the old “Srikanth 2.0” the one who collected four Super Series titles in 2017, the one whose steep smashes terrified the best defences in the world.
A Second Final in 2025 and a Broader Message
Reaching his second final of the season is more than just a statistic. It is evidence that Srikanth’s rebuilding phase is gathering momentum. The early part of 2025 saw him show flashes of renewed confidence, but Lucknow has been the most complete display of his form in recent months.
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Moving up to World No. 34 after this run is crucial. It improves his seeding prospects, reduces early-round pressure in higher-tier tournaments, and offers a clearer pathway back towards the world’s top 20 a bracket he once dominated.
But more than rankings, this run sends an important message: Srikanth Kidambi is not done. Not even close.
A Return to the Syed Modi Final, Nine Years Later
Back in 2016, Srikanth lifted the Syed Modi title a period when his athletic peak aligned perfectly with his technical precision. Returning to the final after nine long years, having endured downturns and battled through physically taxing seasons, carries a sense of poetic justice. This is not the same Srikanth who soared effortlessly in his early 20s. This is a wiser version more patient, more introspective, and far more aware of the small margins that define elite badminton.
Fans in Lucknow have embraced him wholeheartedly this week, cheering loudly as he inching closer to a nostalgic, emotional triumph.
The Final Awaits and So Does Opportunity
The final offers Srikanth a chance to cap off a rejuvenating week with a title something that has eluded him in recent years. Whether he lifts the trophy or finishes runner-up, his performance has already delivered the larger takeaway:
In 2025, Kidambi Srikanth is still a major force in Indian badminton. He may no longer be the tour’s most explosive attacker, but his grit, intelligence, and competitive spirit remain unmatched. With two finals already this season, Srikanth has shown that he is still capable of challenging the best, shaping matches on his own terms, and inspiring a generation that once idolized him.
The veteran is not just going strong —he’s writing his comeback, one week at a time.
