India Open 2025 has been a rollercoaster ride for Indian shuttlers that eventually ended in disappointment as they failed to make it past the semi-finals. In fact, the fan-favourite duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were the sole Indian representatives in the last-four, after PV Sindhu and Kiran George lost in the quarter-finals yesterday.
Fresh off their semi-final run at the Malaysia Open Super 1000, fans were expecting Satwik-Chirag to break the jinx and move into the finals of the India Open. Badminton fanatics filled the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall to the brim and the stadium was buzzing with excitement as the duo walked in.
Sat-Chi started strong and seemed to be in control of the opening game at 15-12, but they soon lost control, as Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin put the pressure back on the Indians. Under pressure, Satwik and Chirag were forced to make errors at the net. A string of seven consecutive points from the Malaysians, capped by a smash error from Satwik, handed them the first game 21-18.
“We should have closed down the first game but credit to them, they were quite good with their service. We didn’t expect it and we weren’t prepared for it,” reflected Chirag on the first game. “We could have been calmer, we didn’t expect so many flicks, especially from 15-12, and we were receiving quite well. We haven’t played them for almost a couple of years so that could have played a part.”
In the second game, the Indians made a shaky start, falling behind 2-8. A spirited fightback saw them win five points in a row, sparking hopes of a comeback. But Goh and Izzuddin’s sharp attacks on the Indians’ serve and quick point-scoring kept the pressure on. Despite their trademark powerful smashes, the 2022 Asian Games gold medallists couldn’t regain momentum, ultimately falling short and losing 14-21.
“We started pretty well, compared to the last few days, the shuttle was very fast. They controlled it much better. If the shuttle was slower, we could have opened up and played rallies, but they were quite good in the first four strokes, and in 30 seconds they ended up getting 2-3 points, we could have broken their rhythm, but it was their day,” said Satwik.
Apart from the badminton action, spectators saw the chair umpire call out Chirag’s name multiple times throughout the match. Asked what the issue was, Chirag stated that he could not understand what he was doing wrong.
“I don’t know what issue he had, because whenever I was at the net or I was getting ready, he called out my name, even if the opponents were talking. In the end I said ‘why the hell are you calling out my name every single time’.”
While the Indians were not at their best, it was evident that Chirag was struggling physically. After the match concluded, the 27 year-old confirmed that he had stiffness in his back. Meanwhile, in the second game Satwik took a fall while defending a shot. After staying on the floor, for a couple of seconds, he limped off the court and took a seat at the bench. “I have to check my ankle, I’ve twisted it quite badly,” confirmed Satwik after the game.
As India’s top men’s doubles pair made a third consecutive semi-final exit, there will be concerns about their ability to handle pressure and lingering injury issues. With their defeat, the Indian campaign at the India Open 2025 came to an end. As Delhi gears up for thrilling, top-class badminton action at the finals, Indian fans will return home disappointed.