The roar of Indian badminton grows louder, and at its center are Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.
The world’s No. 7 pair have once again proven their mettle, storming into the finals of the China Masters Super 750 with a commanding straight-game victory over Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, ranked No. 2 in the world. The 21-17, 21-14 triumph was not just another semifinal win it was a statement of intent. For the Indian duo, it marked their second final in as many weeks and their second-ever final appearance at the China Masters, underscoring a growing pattern of consistency at the very highest level of the sport.
The Nemesis Finally Tamed
For years, Chia and Soh had been a thorn in the side of Satwik and Chirag. Their head-to-head record was heavily lopsided, with the Malaysians winning 11 of their first 15 encounters. Each match seemed to reinforce the narrative that Satwik-Chirag could not crack their Malaysian rivals’ tactical setup. But 2025 has rewritten that story. The Indians first broke the cycle in August at the World Championships quarterfinals, where they stunned the Malaysians to reach the semifinals and eventually secure a bronze medal. On Saturday in Shenzhen, they repeated the feat—this time with even more dominance.
From the outset, the Indians imposed themselves at the net, with Chirag’s sharp interceptions and Satwik’s booming smashes dismantling Chia-Soh’s rhythm. The first game saw the Indians maintain a steady lead, holding off late rallies to close it 21-17. In the second game, they were even more clinical, racing ahead early and never looking back, sealing it 21-14. This victory marked only their fifth win in 16 matches against the Malaysians, but crucially, it was their second win in succession a psychological shift that could well tilt future encounters.
Back-to-Back Finals: A Sign of Consistency
For Indian fans, the significance of this result goes beyond a single win. Satwik and Chirag have now reached consecutive BWF World Tour finals in back-to-back weeks—the Hong Kong Open final last Sunday and now the China Masters final. In Hong Kong, they fell short in the championship clash, but their run reignited confidence after a season of inconsistency marked by repeated semifinal exits. Now, with another final spot secured, the duo have shown that they are back to their best form hungry, confident, and consistent.
This is also their second China Masters final, following their earlier run in 2019. No Indian men’s doubles pair has ever lifted the China Masters title. Satwik and Chirag now stand just one match away from creating history once again for Indian badminton.
Satwik and Chirag’s rise is part of a larger wave in Indian badminton. While singles stars like PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen have carried the flag for years, Satwik and Chirag have carved a niche in men’s doubles, a category where India had rarely made its presence felt on the global stage. Their triumphs the 2022 Thomas Cup victory, Asian Games gold in 2023, and multiple BWF titles have showcased India’s depth and versatility in the sport. Now, their back-to-back finals appearances are further proof that Indian badminton is no longer reliant on isolated brilliance but has matured into a sustained force across categories.
Saturday’s semifinal wasn’t just about power and precision; it was about strategy. One of the hallmarks of Satwik-Chirag’s improvement has been their ability to absorb pressure and then turn defense into offense. Against Chia and Soh, this tactical shift was evident. Time and again, both Indians rushed forward from defensive positions, turning blocks into attack opportunities. Chirag’s net play was particularly sharp, while Satwik’s ability to deliver booming smashes at crucial moments broke the Malaysians’ spirit.
It also helped that Aaron Chia, usually the difference-maker for Malaysia, had an off day. But credit must go to the Indians for never allowing their opponents to find a rhythm.
In the final, Satwik and Chirag will face the winners of the second semifinal between Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and the reigning World Champions Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae of South Korea. Both potential opponents present unique challenges. Alfian/Ardianto bring relentless pace and aggression, while Kim/Seo are the most consistent pair of the last two years, combining solid defense with clinical finishing.
Yet, given their current form, Satwik-Chirag have every reason to believe. Their performance in Shenzhen has been dominant they have reached the final without dropping a single game and their growing confidence suggests they could finally end India’s wait for a China Masters title.
Among fans, Satwik and Chirag have earned the moniker of “Brothers of Destruction,” and their performances in recent weeks justify the tag. With each tournament, they are not only chasing titles but also cementing their reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous pairs. Their ability to bounce back from disappointments, like the six semifinal exits earlier this year, and turn them into fuel for success is a testament to their resilience.
The 2025 season, once on course to be remembered as a year of near-misses, now has the potential to become one of their most successful campaigns.
Sunday’s final will decide whether Satwik and Chirag can add another BWF Super 750 title to their collection. Win or lose, their back-to-back finals appearances send a strong message ahead of the year-end World Tour Finals and the buildup to the 2026 World Championships in India. For Indian badminton, these results underline the sport’s growing dominance and depth on the global stage. For Satwik and Chirag, they are proof that when form meets belief, the “Brothers of Destruction” are nearly unstoppable. The semifinal victory over Chia and Soh wasn’t just about numbers or head-to-head records it was about breaking mental barriers, proving consistency, and showing that Indian doubles belongs at the very top.
As Satwik and Chirag gear up for the final, fans across India and beyond will be hoping that the duo can take one final step to crown a remarkable fortnight. Whether they face Alfian/Ardianto or Kim/Seo, one thing is certain: Satwik and Chirag have arrived, and they are here to stay.
Back-to-back finals. Back-to-back wins over their nemesis. Back in business.
