Former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth reminded the badminton world of his enduring class and competitive resolve as he battled past compatriot Tharun Mannepalli in a gripping all-Indian Round of 32 encounter at the India Open 2026.
In a contest that swung dramatically in momentum, Srikanth recovered from a game down to register a 15–21, 21–6, 21–19 victory, sealing his place in the Round of 16 after a 53-minute contest.
The match was a compelling showcase of Indian men’s singles depth, pitting experience against youthful ambition. Mannepalli, who has steadily risen through the domestic circuit, started with confidence and clarity, dictating rallies in the opening game.
He moved Srikanth corner to corner, controlled the net exchanges, and capitalised on unforced errors from the veteran to take the first game 21–15, putting early pressure on the more decorated opponent.
What followed, however, was a textbook response from Srikanth. Drawing on years of experience at the highest level, the 2021 World Championships silver medallist made subtle yet decisive adjustments. He slowed the game down, improved his shot selection, and began asserting control in the forecourt.
The second game was completely one-sided, with Srikanth racing to a 21–6 win as Mannepalli struggled to cope with the change in tempo and precision. Srikanth’s ability to read the rallies early and finish points efficiently turned the match firmly in his favour.
The decider was where the contest truly came alive. Mannepalli refused to fade away and matched Srikanth point for point, producing a series of impressive rallies that drew appreciation from the crowd. The younger shuttler surged ahead late in the game and held a 19–17 lead, seemingly on the brink of a statement victory.
It was at this critical juncture that Srikanth’s composure stood out. Calm under pressure, he reeled off four consecutive points, showing remarkable control and nerve to close out the match 21–19.
That four-point burst at the end encapsulated Srikanth’s enduring value as a competitor. While his career has seen fluctuations over the past few seasons, performances like this underline why he remains a dangerous opponent on the big stage. The ability to absorb pressure, adjust tactically mid-match, and execute in decisive moments continues to separate him from many of his peers.
For Mannepalli, despite the loss, the match will be remembered as a significant learning experience. Pushing a former world No.1 to the limit on a Super 750 stage is no small achievement. His movement, intent, and fearless approach, particularly in the first and third games, reflected the growing depth in Indian men’s singles and hinted at his potential for future breakthroughs.
Elsewhere at the India Open 2026, the day proved challenging for Indian mixed doubles pairs, with multiple exits in the Round of 32. Rohan Kapoor and Shivani Gadde were edged out by Germany’s Marvin Seidel and Thuc Nguyen in straight games, losing 19–21, 14–21 after a competitive opening exchange. Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh went down to Japan’s Yuta Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara 15–21, 7–21, while the experienced Indian combination of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto suffered a 15–21, 14–21 defeat against the Thai pair of P. Teeraratsakul and S. Taerattanachai.
As the tournament progresses, Indian hopes in men’s singles will now rest heavily on Srikanth’s shoulders. He is set to face France’s Christo Popov in the Round of 16, a matchup that promises another stern test.
For Srikanth, the victory over Mannepalli was more than just a passage into the next round; it was a statement that the competitive fire still burns bright, and that he remains capable of delivering when it matters most on home soil.
