India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, saw their campaign at the Malaysia Open 2024 come to an end in the quarterfinals on Friday. The third-seeded Indian duo was defeated by the sixth-seeded Indonesian pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in straight games, with a scoreline of 21-10, 23-21.
A Strategy That Threw Indians Off Rhythm
The Indonesian combination executed a game plan that consistently troubled the taller Indian shuttlers. Alfian and Fikri employed a low, flat game, keeping the shuttle at an awkward height around the Indians' necks and engaging in rapid front-court exchanges. This tactic disrupted Satwik and Chirag's natural attacking rhythm from the outset.
The first game was one-sided, with the Indonesians racing to a 5-0 lead and never looking back. The Indians struggled to adapt, trailing 4-13 at one point, and eventually conceded the set 21-10. They found it difficult to handle the low serves and the pace of the rallies, accumulating unforced errors.
A Second Set Fightback That Slipped Away
The second game presented a different story, as the Indian pair seemed to have found their footing. Satwik and Chirag built a promising lead of 17-13 and were in a strong position to force a decisive third game. However, the experienced Indonesian scratch pair, both of whom excel at the front court, staged a gritty comeback.
Despite the Indians' attempts to push for a decider, their efforts were hampered by windy conditions inside the stadium, which affected shuttle control. Chirag Shetty's signature swivel serve made an appearance, but the duo could not maintain their discipline in the crucial final phase. The Indonesians defended gamely against Indian smashes and capitalised on their opportunities, saving match points and eventually sealing the victory 23-21.
Post-Match Reflections and Looking Ahead
Speaking after the match, both Indian players acknowledged their shortcomings. Chirag Shetty admitted to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) that errors cost them dearly. "Didn't start off that well in the first set. Lot of mistakes," he said. "We had a sizeable lead in the second but we didn't really convert. They played a very furious game, we knew that, we couldn't capitalise."
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy pointed to the loss of early momentum. "We started quite well in the rallies, but when we got a chance to attack we did some easy mistakes in the first 4 shots," he explained. "If it was 1-2 [on the scoreboard], we could've got that rhythm. But once it was 5-0... we didn't play accurate. Couldn't keep discipline."
While the drifty conditions in Malaysia may have spoiled their plans, Satwik expressed optimism for the upcoming tournament on home soil. He is looking forward to the India Open in Delhi, noting the different conditions. "There won't be any drift. There'll be heaters this time because it's very cold in Delhi. New stadium. That's where I started playing my first Nationals. So really excited for that," he said.
The loss marks a setback for the Indian pair, but their focus now shifts to the India Open 2024, where they will aim to bounce back in front of a home crowd.
