India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finished runner-up at the 2026 Thailand Open Super 500 on Sunday.
Up against Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin, the top seeded pair from India went down 12-21, 23-25 in 53 minutes in what was their first final of the year.
The loss meant that Rankireddy and Shetty, India’s ace doubles pair, now haven’t won a title for over two years. Their last title win came at the Thailand Open in May 2024.
Rankireddy and Shetty were completely outplayed in the opening game by the Indonesians. The Indians were well in control in the second game before Carnando and Marthin raced to take the lead.
The Indians saved four match points in their bid to force a decider, but eventually crumbled to a straight games loss.
They were guilty of playing unforced errors at crucial junctures multiple times in the contest.
“It was a little difficult for us to control [in the second game],” said Satwik after the match.
“They took us into their game style and it was tough. It took time for us to adjust. The way we played the second game, had we been a little bit sharper in those few points, maybe we could have won the third game,” he added.
Rankireddy and Shetty, who have battled injury concerns this year, also admitted to slowly getting their confidence back.
“I feel we are getting back the confidence slowly,” said Shetty.
“Especially after Thomas Cup, we felt a lot more confident in our game. Although we lost today, I think we could have won,” he added.
