In the city of Lucknow, a venue that has been the backdrop for some of his most memorable performances, former World No. 1 and Indian badminton icon Kidambi Srikanth offered a rare, candid glimpse into his current journey. Speaking exclusively during the Syed Modi India International Badminton Championships 2025, where he has stormed into the finals, Srikanth reflected on his resurgence, future goals, and the evolving landscape of the sport in India's heartland.
Rediscovering Rhythm After a Challenging Phase
After a difficult year dominated by injury and a prolonged break that included his marriage, Srikanth has successfully reignited his passion and form. He is now actively competing in more tournaments, focusing on the process rather than just rankings. "Last year was tough," Srikanth admitted. "I was injured for a large part, and then getting married meant a longer break than anticipated. I lost some ranking points, but the important thing is I'm back and truly enjoying playing again. My current focus is on selecting the right tournaments and ensuring I am physically primed for them."
While many label this period as his 'second innings,' Srikanth views it with characteristic calm. "That phrase keeps popping up, maybe because cricket is always in the air," he said with a laugh. "But I don't see it that way. Badminton is a journey of constant ups and downs—injuries, form slumps, recoveries. This is just another phase. I'm not looking too far ahead; my goal is to enjoy my game and keep competing."
Asian Games on the Radar, But Focus Remains on the Present
With the Asian Games looming, Srikanth confirmed the prestigious event is a target, but emphasized a step-by-step approach. "The Asian Games are definitely on my mind," he stated. "However, it's crucial to stay in the present and concentrate on the immediate task. Right now, I'm only thinking about the next round, the next match. Looking too far ahead isn't helpful."
His motivation, despite having already reached the sport's summit, remains undiminished. "I still genuinely love being on the court," Srikanth revealed. "That's my driving force. It's not about chasing a ranking or a specific title; it's the pure love for badminton. The day I stop enjoying it, continuing won't make sense."
On Pressure, Mentorship, and India's Badminton Revolution
Addressing the pressure of performing in front of home crowds in Lucknow, Srikanth leaned on his vast experience. "I've faced high-pressure situations more times than I can count," he smiled. "Over time, you learn to manage them. Some days go your way, some don't, but experience teaches you to stay calm and handle moments better."
He expressed awe at the explosive growth of badminton in India. "The expansion is massive and impossible to ignore," Srikanth noted. "At ranking tournaments now, you see players from ten to fifteen different academies. This diversity shows how robust our badminton ecosystem has become. The new generation has access to far superior facilities and support, which is a fantastic sign for the future."
Once a protege guided by seniors like Parupalli Kashyap, Srikanth now occasionally finds himself in an advisory role for younger players, though he believes mentorship should occur organically. "I've been playing for over 15 years, and my primary focus is on my own performance," he said. "If a younger player seeks advice and I understand their game, I'm happy to help. But I don't believe in interfering; every player and coach has their own rhythm."
He also had an encouraging message for young fans packing the stands. "It's heartening to see so many kids playing and supporting badminton," Srikanth said. "My advice is simple: if you are passionate about the sport, pursue it with confidence. Opportunities are far better now, and Indian players are shining globally. With dedication and patience, anything is achievable."
Srikanth also shared a special connection with Lucknow, a city he has frequented since 2010-11 for junior camps. "I know many people here, so Lucknow feels like a second home," he recalled. "I've witnessed this stadium's evolution firsthand—from a non-air-conditioned facility to a world-class venue. These improvements reflect the tremendous effort invested in nurturing badminton culture here."
