Satwik-Chirag Target India Open Repeat in 2026, Recall 2022 Home Triumph as Career Turning Point
Standards are now sky-high for World No. 3 badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. For this dynamic Indian duo, anything less than clinching a tournament final feels disappointing. As they gear up for the 2026 India Open, they vividly remember their 2022 victory on home soil, which they credit as the pivotal moment that transformed their careers.
The Unusual Build-Up to a Dream Victory
Satwik recalls the chaotic lead-up to the 2022 India Open, an event held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Confusion swirled around Chirag's availability after he initially tested positive for coronavirus. He then returned a negative result upon arrival in Delhi. Satwik admits he secretly hoped they might skip the tournament. He wanted to spend the Sankranti festival at home.
"When Chirag called to say his test was negative, I thought, 'Damn, now we have to play,'" Satwik said with a laugh. They did play, and they soared all the way to the final. There, they achieved a dream by defeating their idols, the legendary Indonesian pair Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan.
A Victory That Sparked a Golden Year
That 2022 India Open win did more than just secure a trophy. It ignited what became arguably their finest year on the international circuit. "Actually, that tournament helped us tremendously," Satwik stated on the eve of the 2026 edition. "Winning changes everything, whether it's a small or big event. After that, our entire year took off. We started playing exceptionally well."
Chirag echoed this sentiment, highlighting the confidence boost. "Beating Ahsan and Setiawan in the final gave us massive momentum. It just kept the ball rolling and completely changed our year. That title remains incredibly special. We hope to emulate that success now."
Their magnificent 2022 included starring roles in India's historic Thomas Cup victory. They also won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the World Championships. The duo bagged their first Super 750 title at the French Open and finished the year inside the world's top five rankings.
Overcoming a Rollercoaster Year
The past year presented significant challenges for Satwik and Chirag. It began promisingly with semifinal appearances in Malaysia and India. However, personal setbacks and injuries soon followed. Satwik's father passed away, and Chirag suffered a severe back issue at the All England Championships. The injury was so bad Chirag doubted he would ever return to his peak level.
Their world ranking plummeted to 27 in May. Yet, the pair demonstrated remarkable resilience to climb back. "I think we've set our expectations so high that anything less than a title feels below our mark," Chirag reflected. "We still finished the year ranked number three. When I was injured, if someone told me we'd end at number three, I would have accepted it immediately. But once we actually achieved it, my first thought was still frustration that we didn't win a title. That's just how an athlete's mind works. It's never fully satisfied."
Adapting to Modern Doubles Play and Coaching
Modern men's doubles badminton increasingly hinges on serves and returns. Lightning-quick rallies are often decided within the first three shots. Lengthy exchanges have become rare among top pairs. Satwik and Chirag now dedicate substantial practice time to these aspects with their coach, Tan Kim Her.
"It's an ongoing process. You can never be perfect," Chirag explained. "But we place huge emphasis on service and receiving. If you excel in those first two or three strokes, you win most rallies." They also closely study the variations introduced by top pairs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, and China, aiming to incorporate and counter new tactics.
Working with Coach Tan in his second stint has required adjustment. The Malaysian coach, who originally paired them a decade ago, employs a different style than their previous coach, Mathias Boe. "We were used to the European style with Mathias," Satwik noted. "With Mathias, we had shorter, high-intensity sessions. We'd be exhausted after an hour. With Tan, sessions are longer, often up to two hours. He emphasizes endurance."
Satwik added that their relationship with Tan has evolved into a collaborative two-way street. "I go and tell him if something isn't working, and we change it. Chirag does the same. We also carry forward successful tactics from our time with Mathias. We're blending those with a renewed focus on serves and returns."
Confident of Ending the Title Drought
As they aim to end their wait for another championship, Chirag insists there is no mental block about reaching the podium. "It is just a matter of time before we find ourselves winning a title again," he asserted. "All we can do is keep improving, work on our shortcomings, and trust the process. The win will come."
Entering the 2026 India Open as world number three, India's premier doubles team seeks a similar boost to their legendary 2022 campaign. They carry the lessons from a turbulent year and the unwavering belief that their high standards will soon translate into silverware once more.
