Double Disaster in North America: Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto Face Stern Test After Shocking Exits
Indian badminton’s mixed doubles hopes suffered an unexpected and sobering blow on the North American circuit as Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, India’s top pair, crashed out in the first round of both the U.S. Open and Canada Open, BWF Super 300 events.
Entering as top seeds and considered among India’s brightest medal prospects, the duo’s campaign turned into a stark reminder of how thin the margins can be at the elite level, where pressure and adaptability often make the difference.
From Title Contenders to First-Round Casualties
This North American tour was strategically crucial. Kapila and Crasto have been steady risers in the BWF world rankings, recently breaking into the top 20, and were rightly seen as contenders for the 2026 Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic cycle. With valuable ranking points on offer and a relatively manageable draw, these two Super 300 events U.S. Open in Fort Worth, Texas, and Canada Open in Calgary were earmarked to consolidate their status.
Yet what unfolded over two weeks was a nightmare run no one predicted.
U.S. Open: Undone by Rank Outsiders
Their first challenge came against World No. 309 pair Lin Yu-Chieh and Hung Yu-En of Chinese Taipei. On paper, the Indian pair held a massive ranking advantage and started strongly, winning the opening game 21–17 with their trademark sharp net interceptions and mid-court pressure.
But then came the unraveling. The Taiwanese pair, playing freely and without pressure, seized momentum, taking the next two games 21–16 and 21–17. What stood out wasn’t just the loss but the manner of it: tentative play, rising unforced errors, and an inability to switch tactics mid-match. The body language turned defensive, and the aggressive rotation and shot variety that had lifted them into the world’s top 20 were conspicuously absent.
The final scoreline, despite the rankings gap of nearly 290 places, reflected the reality that in modern badminton, nothing is guaranteed.
Canada Open: No Bounce-Back, Only a Repeat
Hoping to bounce back, Dhruv and Tanisha next faced World No. 51 Spanish pair Pablo Abián and Lorena Uslé. Though more seasoned opponents, the Indian pair still entered as favorites.
However, the match followed a chillingly similar script. The Spanish duo controlled the rhythm from the outset, winning 21–15, 21–19. Moments of brilliance and spirited fightback from Dhruv and Tanisha, especially late in the second game, couldn’t mask a deeper issue: the Indians never imposed their game. Their usual aggressive net play, quick positional switches, and on-the-spot tactical adjustments were missing.
What might have been seen as a bad day in the office became a pattern and a troubling one.
Breaking Down the Collapse
These two defeats, while individually shocking, collectively point to deeper structural and mental challenges:
1. Pressure of Top Billing
Being the top seeds is both an honor and a burden. While it should have offered a smoother early path, it seemed to weigh heavily. The pair played tentatively during crunch moments, suggesting the pressure of expectation disrupted their natural game.
2. Tactical Rigidity
Opponents quickly figured out their favored patterns, and Dhruv and Tanisha had no plan B. Badminton demands constant tactical recalibration, especially in mixed doubles, where subtle variations often decide points. In North America, that adaptability was lacking.
3. Travel and Scheduling Strain
The demands of back-to-back tournaments across continents can sap energy. Even without reported injuries, fatigue may have dulled reflexes and decision-making.
4. Possible Complacency
Playing lower-ranked opponents sometimes leads to subconscious relaxation. Against motivated underdogs, that lapse can—and often does—prove fatal.
Broader Implications for Indian Badminton
Beyond individual disappointment, this episode carries wider consequences for Indian badminton:
Ranking Slide
With no match wins, the duo earn minimal ranking points, risking a drop in the BWF rankings. Lower rankings can mean tougher draws in future tournaments.
Qualification Concerns
While Paris 2024 is over, the road to the 2028 Olympics and the Asian Games qualification is ongoing. Lost points here could tighten the race for qualification, especially with other Indian mixed pairs emerging.
Mental Game in Doubles
Mixed doubles thrives on trust, rhythm, and mental strength. The inability to close matches or recover after setbacks suggests the need for dedicated sports psychology support.
What’s Next for Dhruv and Tanisha?
The path back begins with honesty and hard work. Both players and their coaching team must dissect what went wrong technically, mentally, and in planning.
Immediate goals should include:
- Rebuilding confidence through smaller events like the Hyderabad Open or International Challenges.
- Sports psychology work to regain mental toughness, especially in tight finishes.
- Enhancing tactical flexibility so opponents can’t easily read their rotations and plays.
Upcoming tournaments in the Asian Circuit events offer a vital opportunity. These aren’t just about points they’re about rewriting the narrative.
A Setback, Not a Collapse
Elite sport rarely follows a smooth, upward path. Even great pairs stumble some rise again, stronger for the lesson. For Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, North America 2025 should be that lesson.
Their youth, skill, and international pedigree remain undiminished. But what happens next in practice halls, smaller tournaments, and in deciding third sets will decide whether they stay India’s top mixed pair or become another story of unfulfilled promise.
The badminton world, and fans back home, watch with hope, scrutiny, and a belief that this talented duo can and will rise again.
