Satwik-Chirag Drop Out of Top 20 for the First Time in Nearly Six Years—But All Eyes Are on Their Comeback
In a significant shift in the world of badminton, India’s top men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty—popularly known as SatChi—have dropped out of the Top 20 in the BWF World Rankings for the first time since May 2019. The latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation place the Indian duo at World No. 25, down six spots, with a total of 43,060 ranking points.
For fans of Indian badminton, this news hits hard. Satwik and Chirag have been flag-bearers of Indian doubles badminton, achieving historic feats including the World No.1 ranking, a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and victories in prestigious tournaments like the Indonesia Open Super 1000 and the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
To see them fall out of the Top 20 is more than a statistical drop—it marks a tough phase in what has otherwise been a golden chapter for Indian badminton.
A Series of Setbacks
This downturn doesn’t come without context. Over the past few months, the pair has faced multiple personal and professional hurdles. Chirag Shetty has been nursing an injury that kept him off court and disrupted their tournament rhythm. Around the same time, Satwik Rankireddy had to deal with the personal trauma of losing his father—an emotional blow that understandably affected his mental focus and game readiness.
In a demanding sport like badminton, where rankings are shaped by consistency, absence from the circuit—even for a few weeks—can have sharp consequences. For a duo like SatChi, known for their aggressive front-court play and electrifying synergy, being out of sync even slightly can make a difference at the elite level.
Still the Pride of Indian Doubles
Despite the fall, Satwik and Chirag remain India’s most accomplished men’s doubles pair. They’ve broken barriers for Indian badminton, becoming the first men’s pair from the country to reach a World No. 1 ranking and to consistently beat top international pairs from China, Indonesia, and Japan.
Their achievements have been recognized at the highest levels—most recently, both players were awarded the Dhyan Chand Award, India’s lifetime achievement award in sports, further validating their contribution to the sport.
Eyes on Singapore: A Crucial Return
The good news is that the comeback is already in motion. According to reports, the duo is currently training at the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad under the watchful eyes of national coach Pullela Gopichand. In an encouraging update, Gopichand stated that Satwik and Chirag are fully focused on regaining form and have been putting in the hard yards ahead of their return to competition.
Their comeback will begin at the Singapore Open, scheduled to start on May 27. This Super 750 event marks a crucial juncture for the pair, offering both a test and an opportunity. A strong performance here could set the tone for the rest of the Olympic qualification cycle and begin their climb back up the rankings.
While the current ranking may feel like a setback, it is important to remember that rankings are temporary—but class is permanent. Satwik and Chirag have shown time and again that they possess the mental toughness and skillset to overcome adversity. Whether it was fighting through tough draws in major tournaments or pushing through injury and fatigue during marathon matches, the duo has built a reputation for resilience.
They may be down for now, but they are far from out. In a sport where momentum can shift quickly, and where belief often makes the difference, SatChi’s story is far from finished. As they return to the court later this month, fans across the country will be watching—and rooting—for their favorite duo to script yet another comeback, perhaps their most meaningful one yet.
Key Stats:
- Current Ranking: World No. 25
- Ranking Points: 43,060
- Last Time Outside Top 20: May 2019
- Upcoming Tournament: Singapore Open (May 27)
- Recent Honor: Dhyan Chand Award
Satwik and Chirag have carried the hopes of Indian badminton for years. Now, as they prepare to rise from a low, they continue to inspire with their commitment and courage. Their drop from the Top 20 might just be the spark that fuels their next big run.
