Kidambi Srikanth would go down in history as the pioneer of Indian badminton, who was not only the first star in the category for the country after a long time, but also someone who showed the way to others, to follow. Apart from him getting to the coveted world no. 1 spot in 2018, perhaps, he did play a fair part in getting others to a similar level as well. Since 2013, he won numerous titles and was unbeatable at a time when only Chinese men’s singles ruled the roost. At a time, when no other Indian could think of beating the likes of Lin Dan, Chen Long, and Lee Chong Wei, it was Srikanth who stepped up, and showed the way.
But all that looks like a thing of the past. The 30-year-old isn’t at the same level anymore and is even struggling to survive against the top 50 shuttlers in the world. On Wednesday, at the Syed Modi International 2023, the WR-24 Srikanth lost in straight games to Chia Hao Lee of Chinese Taipei in a rather poor manner 23-21, 21-8. This was his 10th defeat in the first round of a tournament in 2023.
Srikanth Form Guide 2023
| Tournament | Opponent/Rd |
| Malaysia Open 2023 | Kenta Nishimoto (Rd 1) |
| India Open 2023 | Viktor Axelsen (Rd 1) |
| Indonesia Masters 2023 | Shesar Hiren Rhustavito (Rd 1) |
| Thailand Open 2023 | Weng Hong Yang (Rd 1) |
| Korea Open 2023 | Kento Momota (Rd 1) |
| BWF World Championships | Kenta Nishimoto (Rd 1) |
| Denmark Open 2023 | Weng Hong Yang (Rd 1) |
| French Open 2023 | Toma Junior Popov (Rd 1) |
| China Masters 2023 | Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Rd 1) |
One of his top performances this year has to be at the Malaysia Masters, where he reached the quarters of the event. There, in the round of 16, he got the better of Kunlavut Vitidsarn, his only win against the Thai. But thereafter, in a relatively easier match against Indonesia’s Christian Adinata, whose best ranking is 37, and current 83, Srikanth lost 16-21, 21-16, 11-21. The scoreline just explains the problem here. While the talent is still there, it is his fitness that seems to have come tremendously down.
And with the newer stars displaying their superhuman fitness standards, Srikanth, as of today stands nowhere. At the Olympics, where the top 16 men’s singles players will make the cut, Srikanth, on current form will most likely miss out. Although he is still ranked 24th, only form will be the detrimental factor.
What’s in Store for Former World no. 1
While this season is over for Srikanth, he will have a month to recover and be ready in time for the India Open. If he does manage to get a few wins under his belt, he might just narrowly be in contention for the Paris 2024 berth. But for him to win matches consistently will be a problem. His record last year clearly shows, he struggles if the match goes into the third game. He has lost six three-setter matches out of nine played in 2023. On current form, he looks all but out of Paris 2024. Post that, he could start his road to redemption.
Editors pick
