Srikanth Kidambi, a name synonymous with Indian badminton's rise on the global stage, is currently navigating a challenging phase in his career. Once the World No. 1, his recent performances have been under scrutiny, raising questions about his form and future prospects.
Kidambi's journey has been nothing short of inspirational. From his early successes to becoming the first Indian male to reach the pinnacle of the BWF World Rankings in April 2018, he has etched his name in the annals of Indian sports. His silver medal at the 2021 BWF World Championships and his role as captain of the Thomas Cup-winning team in 2022 further solidified his legacy. However, the last few years have presented a different picture, marked by inconsistent performances and struggles to maintain his position among the elite.
In 2024, Kidambi faced early exits in several tournaments, and he also missed out on the Paris Olympics. This dip in form saw his ranking plummet, a significant fall from his world number 1 position. The pressure to perform, coupled with the emergence of new talent, has added to the challenges he faces.
Despite these setbacks, Kidambi's recent performances offer a glimmer of hope. At the Malaysia Masters 2025, he battled his way to the final, his first World Tour Final appearance since 2019. Although he lost to Li Shifeng in the final, his run to the title clash included victories over higher-ranked players, showcasing his resilience and determination. Before the final match, coach Parupalli Kashyap expressed his belief in Kidambi's potential, stating that the run at the tournament would have reminded him that he belongs at the top level.
Kidambi himself acknowledged the hard work he has been putting in, stating that the wins after a long time gave him a good feeling. He emphasized that he has been feeling physically well, and his recent success was due to hard work.
The current landscape of Indian badminton presents both opportunities and challenges. While the men's team secured the Thomas Cup in 2022 and the women's team has reached the Uber Cup semi-finals twice, inconsistency and adapting to different playing conditions remain significant hurdles. Injuries to key players have also hampered team performance.
Several factors contribute to these challenges. Frequent changes in coaches, as pointed out by Anup Sridhar, can disrupt a player's progress. The lack of specialized coaching, particularly in doubles, is another area that needs attention. Moreover, the pressure of maintaining consistent performance at the highest level can take a toll on players' mental well-being.
To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is needed. Investing in youth development, improving infrastructure, enhancing coaching standards, and providing international exposure are crucial steps. Prioritizing physical fitness and mental health is equally important to ensure that players can cope with the demands of the sport.
Looking ahead, Kidambi aims to climb back into the top 25 in the rankings and perform well in upcoming tournaments. The 32-year-old is determined to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. His recent run at the Malaysia Masters 2025 is a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering spirit. As he continues his journey, the Indian badminton fraternity will be watching closely, hoping that he can rediscover his best form and inspire a new generation of players.
