India’s shot at reclaiming their Thomas Cup title, quite possibly, ended before their semi-final clash against France even began in Horsens, Denmark on Saturday.
The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) match-order rules, which let France play their stronger suit of three singles matches effectively put India on the backfoot tactically.
The injury and subsequent absence of Lakshya Sen didn’t help either as India went down 0-3 with their ace doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty not even needed to step on court.
In a media interaction felicitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Tuesday, Chirag shied away from complaining about the rules but put out a well-reasoned argument for reform.
“I think a lot of the badminton-playing nations would want to change the way the ties are because it sort of advantages France for all the matches they played,” said Chirag. “Because if they have to win a tie, it has to be in the first three matches.”
He pointed to the final as further evidence: When Shi Yu Qi won the opening singles for China against Christo Popov, the broader logic of the format kicked in China’s dominant doubles depth meant that even if they conceded the next two singles, they were almost certain to seal the tie through the doubles.
“Even if the other two singles win,” Chirag noted, “eventually China will win the tie.”
Chirag’s proposed solution was specific and practical that at least one doubles match should be incorporated into the first three rubbers of every Thomas Cup tie, regardless of player overlap.
“I think the rules need to change,” he said. “At least one either the first doubles or the second doubles should be played in the first three matches.”
He also noted the audience dimension, fans filling arenas in Horsens frequently watched three singles matches and then went home without ever seeing a doubles rubber, which are, by many accounts, the most watchable matches in the sport.
France’s run to the final a maiden appearance in Thomas Cup history was built significantly on the backs of their singles trio, and the format allowed them to deploy that strength in a way no other team in the tournament could.
Addressing this structural imbalance is not about penalising France but it is about ensuring the format does not produce lopsided conditions for specific team compositions.
Lakshya Sen’s injury
Lakshya Sen suffered an elbow injury during the quarter-final clash against Chinese Taipei as he went toe-to-toe in an 88-minute battle against world No 6 Chou Tien Chen.
Sen was oblivious of the damage he had done to his elbow during as his come-from-behind victory set the tone for India’s 3-0 win. It was only after the adrenaline from the tie wore off that he realised the severity of the injury.
“Immediately after the match, when I went back, I saw my elbow was swollen,” Lakshya said.
“When the body cooled down a bit, it started hurting, and there was some redness around the swelling.”
The physios, the coach, and the team doctor collectively decided he could not play the semifinal at full capacity.
Lakshya confirmed he is awaiting MRI results and remains uncertain about his availability for the Thailand Open the next week.
What made his absence feel especially costly in the semifinal was how he had been performing just hours earlier.
His comeback win over Chou Tien-chen from 18-21 down, saving two match points in the second game, before dominating the third 21-17 was arguably the moment that defined India’s tournament.
Veteran HS Prannoy said as much: “Lakshya would have beaten Popov, and obviously getting in next, Ayush would have definitely gotten that win against Alex for us.”
With a 2-0 lead, he believed, the tie would have gone to the fourth and fifth matches precisely where India’s strength lie.
“In team events, it’s just a matter of one win, which can turn the entire tables.”
A unfortunate injury, and the standard BWF regulations – India’s Thomas Cup campaign ended even before the semi-final began. But having started as the eighth seed, even that bronze was a punch above their weight.
