Brothers of Destruction Storm into R16: Satwik-Chirag Down Home Favourites Leo/Bagas at Indonesia Open
On a day that saw heartbreak for Indian singles contenders, the “Brothers of Destruction” — Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty — roared back from the brink to dismantle home favourites Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana 18-21, 21-18, 21-14 and reach the Round of 16 at the Indonesia Open Super 1000.
After first-round exits for Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy earlier in the day, all eyes were on India’s top men’s doubles pair, who were up against the All England 2024 finalists and a partisan Istora crowd.
What unfolded was a masterclass in adaptability and mental steel — a performance that not only silenced the crowd but also reaffirmed Satwik-Chirag’s status as one of the most dangerous pairs in world badminton.
Sluggish Start, Steely Finish
The Indian pair started the match brightly, showing early control at the net and punchy smashes from the back. However, the Indonesians began unsettling them with sharp serves and fast flat exchanges that pinned Satwik to the backcourt. Leo and Bagas edged ahead in the crucial closing stretch of Game 1, taking it 21-18.
In the second game, the hosts surged to a 9-4 lead, and it looked like a straight-game win might be on the cards. But then came the turning point.
From 5-10 down, the Indians regrouped and began picking apart their opponents’ tactics. They adjusted their flat game, targeted the middle court more consistently, and brought variety in their push shots. One highlight moment was a sensational cross-drop from Satwik into the sideline gap at the net — a shot that not only earned points but also tilted the momentum.
A blistering run of 8 straight points turned the tide as they clawed back from 9-12 to lead 17-12. From there, Satwik and Chirag never looked back, sealing the second game 21-18 to force a decider.
Game 3: All India, All Fire
By the time the third game began, the momentum was firmly with the Indians. Satwik’s presence at the back court became more dominant, while Chirag began imposing himself at the net — diving, intercepting, and directing play like a general.
The Indonesians, rattled by the shift in rhythm and the growing Indian confidence, began to make unforced errors. Despite the crowd’s relentless “Leo-Bagas!” chants, it was Satwik-Chirag who dictated the pace, marching ahead from 8-8 to 17-12 with a flurry of steep smashes and perfectly timed drives.
They wrapped up the match 21-14, booking a spot in the pre-quarterfinals and knocking out one of the most dangerous local pairs in the draw.
Tactical Brilliance: Middle Game and Flat Exchanges
What stood out in this match was how intelligently the Indian duo adapted mid-match. Leo and Bagas had targeted the middle court early, trying to exploit the transition area between Satwik and Chirag. But once the Indians realized this ploy, they flipped the game.
Their flat exchanges became tighter, angles sharper, and communication more fluid. Satwik’s pinpoint drops to the sidelines and Chirag’s revived confidence at the net transformed the second half of the match.
This was arguably one of the best “middle-game” performances by SatChi in recent months — both in tactical execution and emotional control.
“They were Baazigar today,” a fan posted online — fitting words for a pair that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with the calm of champions.
Tough Day for Indian Singles
While the doubles stars delivered, it was a disappointing day for India’s top singles names.
Lakshya Sen bowed out in the first round but not without a fight. Facing World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, Sen came back from a game and 11-17 down to force a decider, winning the second game 22-20 in a thrilling comeback. However, the Chinese ace upped his tempo at the business end, clinching the match 21-15 in the third.
Earlier, HS Prannoy was stunned in straight games by Indonesia’s rising star Alwi Farhan, 17-21, 18-21, continuing a string of early exits in 2025 for the seasoned Indian.
What’s Next
For now, on a day when Indian singles hopes dimmed, it was the doubles stalwarts — Satwik and Chirag — who stood tall under the Jakarta lights, not just winning, but doing so with clarity, calmness, and courage.
The brothers of destruction are back.
