India’s rising singles talent Isharani Baruah is putting together a breakthrough week in Lucknow.
After grabbing headlines on the opening day with a gritty win over World No. 51 Ciou-Tong Tung of Taiwan, the 20-year-old has now backed it up with an even bigger scalp defeating World No. 44 Polina Buhrova of Ukraine in straight games to reach the quarterfinals of the Syed Modi India International 2025.
Ranked 71 in the world, Isharani entered the tournament without the spotlight that surrounds India’s higher-ranked names. But by knocking out back-to-back superior opponents in convincing fashion, she has emerged as one of the most compelling stories of this Super 300 event.
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Against Buhrova, a physically imposing and tactically sharp player on the European circuit, Isharani produced one of the most complete performances of her career. She took charge early, mixing deep clears with quick, attacking pushes to the corners, forcing the Ukrainian into uncomfortable positions from the first few rallies.
The Indian controlled the tempo throughout the opening game. Her improved footwork, quicker transitions, and disciplined shot selection allowed her to stay ahead during longer rallies. With confident net interceptions and well-timed crosscourt drops, Isharani sealed the first game 21-15.
If the first game showed her patience, the second demonstrated her dominance.
Isharani tightened her control over the mid-court exchanges and increased her aggression on shorter lifts from Buhrova. Points came in clusters as she built a sizable lead. Her precision forced multiple errors from the Ukrainian, who struggled to adjust to the pace and angles Isharani generated. In just 24 minutes, the Indian wrapped up the second game 21-8 one of the most one-sided scoreline of the day.
The straight-games win not only highlights Isharani’s steady progress but also her ability to elevate her level under pressure. With each round, her confidence on the senior circuit continues to grow.
The R32 comeback that set the tone
This strong run began with a gritty and hard-fought Round of 32 victory over Taiwan’s World No. 51 Ciou-Tong Tung. That match lasted 69 minutes and showcased Isharani’s resilience and tactical flexibility. After losing the first game 14-21, she recalibrated her approach. Isharani began varying her pace, reducing unforced errors, and engaging Tung in longer rallies where she had the advantage in patience and defensive consistency. The match shifted dramatically as she took the second game 21-17.
In the decider, she maintained her composure even when Tung attempted to increase the tempo. Isharani’s net control and improved shot placement helped her close out the final game 21-16, completing her first upset of the tournament. That victory laid the foundation for the confidence and momentum she carried into her Round of 16 matchup.
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Isharani’s strong run at Syed Modi is more than just two impressive wins it is a glimpse into the future of Indian women’s singles. With the national landscape undergoing transition and younger players stepping up at international events, her ability to beat top-50 opponents in consecutive rounds is a major positive for India.
Her strengths stamina, disciplined rallying, and the ability to build points patiently are well-suited for modern women’s singles. Over the past year, she has worked on sharpening her attack and improving the speed of her first three shots, and those improvements were clearly visible in Lucknow.
Moreover, her composed body language, even during tense moments, suggests a growing maturity crucial for success at higher levels on the BWF Tour.
Reaching the quarterfinals of a Super 300 event is a significant step for a player ranked outside the top 70. A win in the last eight would likely propel Isharani into the top 60 and further strengthen her place among India’s most promising singles players. More importantly, her performance this week signals that she is ready to compete consistently against strong opponents from across Asia and Europe. If she can carry this momentum forward, 2025 could become a breakout year in her career.
From surviving a gritty three-game opener to dominating a world top-50 opponent in straight games, Isharani Baruah has shown exceptional growth, belief, and hunger. And as she enters the business end of the tournament, India will undoubtedly be watching closely.
At Syed Modi 2025, a new Indian contender is making her presence felt.
