The DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 produced a dramatic and emotionally charged Round of 32 for Indian badminton, one that perfectly captured the two contrasting phases of Indian men’s singles right now the resilience of the veterans and the restless search for stability among the next generation.
While Kidambi Srikanth rolled back the years with a breathtaking three-game win, Lakshya Sen showed grit in a physical battle, but several others fell short on a day where margins were unforgiving.
Srikanth’s Defiant Statement
The match of the day for India came from Kidambi Srikanth, who outlasted Japan’s Koki Watanabe 21–15, 21–23, 24–22 in a 72-minute epic that felt more like a quarterfinal than a first-round match. The veteran, now outside the top 30 in the world rankings, showed exactly why he remains one of the most dangerous floaters on the World Tour.
Srikanth controlled the first game with crisp net play and deep smashes, taking it 21–15. But as expected, Watanabe fought back hard in the second, raising the pace and forcing Srikanth into longer rallies. The Japanese shuttler edged the second game 23–21, pushing the contest into a nerve-shredding decider.
The third game was everything Indian fans have come to associate with Srikanth at his best fearless shot selection, relentless pressure, and ice-cold nerve at critical moments. With the score tied deep into the twenties, Srikanth refused to blink. He attacked Watanabe’s forehand, opened the court, and sealed the match 24–22 to advance into the Round of 16.
At 30, with injuries and form fluctuations behind him, Srikanth’s win was not just about beating a higher-ranked opponent. It was about reminding the circuit that he is still capable of taking down anyone on his day.
Lakshya Sen Survives a Physical Test
Alongside Srikanth, Lakshya Sen also booked his place in the second round, but not without a stern examination. The Indian number one defeated Wang Tzu Wei of Chinese Taipei 21–13, 16–21, 21–14 in a match that tested both stamina and mental discipline.
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Lakshya dominated the opening game, using his speed and flat attacking game to rush Wang off the court. At one stage in the second game, he led 13–5 and appeared to be cruising. Then, suddenly, momentum shifted. Wang began extending rallies, forcing Lakshya into errors and clawing his way back to take the second game 21–16.
The decider became a test of composure. This is where Lakshya showed growth. Instead of panicking, he reset his game plan, kept the shuttle flatter, and attacked Wang’s backhand relentlessly. The 21–14 finish was clinical, giving Lakshya a solid opening win as he continues to look for consistency at the Super 500 level.
If the top two brought relief, the rest of the Indian contingent endured a harsh day.
Ayush Shetty was outplayed by Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan, losing 8–21, 13–21. It was a tough lesson for the young Indian, who was overwhelmed by the speed and intensity of the home player. Ayush struggled to get into rallies and was constantly pushed deep, unable to assert his attacking game. HS Prannoy also suffered a straight-games loss, going down 19–21, 11–21 to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia. The first game was competitive, with Prannoy matching Lee shot for shot. But once Lee found his rhythm, the Malaysian took control with aggressive smashes and tight net play. For Prannoy, it was a reminder of how ruthless the top tier of men’s singles remains.
In mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto were heartbreakingly close to pulling off an upset. They won the first game 23–21 against France’s Julien Maio and Léa Palermo, only to lose the next two 20–22, 6–21. After missing chances to close the second game, the Indian pair faded badly in the decider as the French duo surged ahead.
Similarly, Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde were beaten 9–21, 20–22 by Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France. After a one-sided first game, the Indians fought back admirably in the second, but could not convert their opportunities when it mattered most.
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India leaves the Round of 32 with two survivors in men’s singles Srikanth and Lakshya but the broader picture is more complex. The veterans still have the ability to produce world-class performances, but the next tier is still struggling to bridge the gap against international opposition.
The Indonesia Masters, especially at Super 500 level, is unforgiving. There are no easy draws, and any dip in focus is punished immediately. For Srikanth and Lakshya, the job now is to build on their wins and go deeper into the tournament. For the others, the hard work continues.
As Jakarta moves into the Round of 16, India’s hopes now rest on two rackets one belonging to a seasoned fighter and the other to a rising star still searching for stability.
