The Australian Open Super 500 delivered contrasting fortunes for India on a dramatic day in Sydney. While HS Prannoy suffered an early exit after a tight opening-game battle, the country’s top men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, Satwik–Chirag produced a gritty, high-quality performance to reach the quarterfinals.
The match offered everything momentum swings, controversial calls, pressure moments, and a comeback that underlined why SatChi remain one of the most feared pairs in world badminton.
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Earlier in the day, India’s senior-most singles campaigner H.S. Prannoy bowed out in the Round of 16 against Malaysia’s rising youngster Alwi Farhan, losing 19-21, 10-21. Prannoy started well, controlling the early pace and constructing rallies with patience, but Farhan’s speed and steep attack kept him constantly under pressure. The opening game was finely balanced at 19–19, but the Malaysian showed sharper finishing to take the crucial points.
The second game slipped away quicker. Prannoy struggled to maintain length and rhythm, while Farhan raised his tempo, dominating the net and pushing the Indian deep into his backcourt. The 10–21 scoreline did not fully reflect the competitive start, but it marked an abrupt end to Prannoy’s campaign.
SatChi Survive Scare, Script Brilliant G1 Comeback
If the day began on a sombre note for India, Satwik–Chirag ensured it didn’t stay that way. Their Round of 16 match against Su Ching Heng / Wu Guan Xun of Taiwan began with immediate turbulence. Trailing 9-15 and later 10-16 in the first game, the Indian pair were clearly struggling to find rhythm. What made matters worse were repeated service fault calls on Chirag three in quick succession which visibly rattled him.
Chirag even called the referee over for clarification, and the umpire’s interruptions seemed to break the Indians’ momentum. But champions absorb adversity, and SatChi responded exactly that way. Once they settled, the first game turned dramatically. Satwik stepped up the attack from the backcourt, while Chirag tightened the net, forcing the Taiwanese pair into passive lifts. The Indians produced an extraordinary burst, winning 11 of the last 13 points, flipping a 10–16 deficit into a stunning 21–18 win.
It was a run of form that echoed their resilience powerful, composed, and tactically sharp despite the disruptive officiating.
Dominant Second Game Seals the Victory
Having stolen the opener, Satwik and Chirag carried the momentum straight into the second. The Taiwanese pair, shaken by the turnaround, never quite recovered. The Indians controlled the serve-return patterns, pressed hard on midcourt interceptions, and dictated pace from the first few rallies.
Once they built a comfortable lead, SatChi looked unstoppable. With improved rhythm, cleaner serves, and more aggressive placements, they cruised to a 21–11 win. The straight-games result 21-18, 21-11 did not fully capture the tension of the first game but showcased just how quickly the World No. 1 pair can shift gears.
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The match offered a snapshot of the pair’s evolution over the past three years. The comeback wasn’t just about shot-making; it was about emotional control. Chirag channelled his frustration with the service faults into sharp, controlled play. Satwik provided the firepower and calm in equal measure. And together, they managed the tempo in a way only elite pairs can.
Quarterfinal Test Awaits
With this win, Satwik–Chirag move into the quarterfinals, where they face Indonesia’s experienced duo Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto. It is a matchup that has historically produced high-level badminton, and the Indians will need to carry both momentum and discipline into the next round.
Prannoy’s early exit was undoubtedly disappointing, especially after a well-contested opening game. Yet, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty once again ensured Indian interest remains strong in the tournament. Their comeback, their composure amid contentious umpiring, and their tactical clarity mark them as favourites not just for the next round, but for the title.
India’s top pair have delivered another reminder: when SatChi find their rhythm, they can turn any match even one slipping away into a statement victory.
