At a stage of his career where questions often outweigh expectations, Kidambi Srikanth delivered a stirring reminder of his resilience and competitive fire at the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026.
In the men’s singles Round of 32, the former world number one produced a hard-fought, energy-sapping victory over Japan’s Koki Watanabe, winning 21–15, 21–23, 24–22 to book his place in the Round of 16 of the Super 500 tournament in Jakarta.
It was not just a win on paper. It was a statement. Against a younger, higher-ranked opponent, Srikanth showcased experience, composure, and an unrelenting will to compete, proving once again that he remains very much in the fight on the BWF World Tour.
The opening game set the tone for the contest. Srikanth looked sharp from the outset, reading Watanabe’s attacking intentions well and using his trademark flat exchanges and tight net control to dictate rallies. Moving fluidly around the court, the Indian shuttler capitalised on unforced errors from the Japanese player and built pressure steadily. His 21–15 win in the first game reflected not dominance, but control an experienced player managing tempo and momentum intelligently.
The second game, however, told a different story. Watanabe raised his intensity, increasing the pace of rallies and forcing Srikanth into longer exchanges. The Indian had his chances to close it out in straight games but let a narrow lead slip, conceding a series of cheap points at a critical juncture. Despite a late push to level things, Srikanth lost the game 21–23, a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level and how unforgiving elite badminton can be.
What followed was the kind of decider that defines careers more than rankings. The third game was physically draining and mentally exacting, with both players refusing to yield an inch. Watanabe, eight years younger, looked to exploit his speed and stamina, while Srikanth relied on placement, anticipation, and sheer grit. The rallies grew longer, the points harder to earn, and the atmosphere heavier with tension.
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At 20-all, then 21-all, and again at 22-all, the match hung on the finest of details. This was where Srikanth’s experience truly came to the fore. Under immense pressure, he stayed calm, choosing percentage shots rather than forcing winners. A well-constructed rally to earn match point, followed by a composed finish, sealed a dramatic 24–22 victory and drew visible emotion from the Indian veteran.
This was not the explosive, carefree Srikanth of his peak years. Instead, it was a more mature version—one that understands his physical limitations but compensates with intelligence, discipline, and belief. In a sport that often celebrates youth and speed, Srikanth’s performance was a testament to persistence and adaptability.
The win is particularly significant given the broader context of his career. Ranked outside the top tier and having endured a challenging phase marked by injuries and inconsistent results, Srikanth has often been written off. Yet, performances like this underline a simple truth: regardless of rankings or age, he continues to fight, continues to prepare, and continues to compete with pride.
Advancing to the Round of 16 sets up a blockbuster clash against Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei, a matchup that promises another stern test. For Srikanth, however, the immediate reward lies in proving to himself as much as to the badminton world—that he still belongs on the big stage.
In Jakarta, amid the intensity of a Super 500 event, Srikanth showed that effort and hunger do not fade easily. One may debate where he stands in the larger scheme of Indian badminton today, but after a match like this, one thing is beyond doubt: he is still giving his best, still fighting hard, and still capable of producing moments that inspire.
