Badminton is one of India’s most popular sports and is played by millions of people across the country. India has produced some of the world’s best badminton players, both male and female. But who is the best male badminton player in India? Well, this is a difficult question to answer as there are many contenders for the title, but one name stands out among them: Kidambi Srikanth.
Kidambi Srikanth: A Star in the Making
Kidambi Srikanth, who hails from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, first burst onto the international badminton scene in 2013 when he won the China Open Super Series Premier. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most successful badminton players in India. In 2017, he became the first Indian male to reach the final of the BWF World Championships, and in 2018, he became the first Indian man to win the BWF World Tour Finals.
Srikanth’s Achievements
Since his breakthrough victory in 2013, Kidambi Srikanth has gone on to have an impressive career. He has won four Super Series titles, one BWF World Tour Finals title, and three Commonwealth Games medals, including gold in the Mixed Team event in 2018. He has also reached the quarterfinals of the Olympics, the semifinals of the World Championships, and the finals of the All England Open.
His consistency has also been impressive, as he has been ranked in the top 10 of the BWF rankings for the last five years, peaking at world no. 2 in April 2018. He is currently ranked world no. 5, making him the highest-ranked Indian male badminton player.
Srikanth’s Strengths
Kidambi Srikanth is known for his aggressive yet controlled playing style. He is an excellent all-round player, with strong smashes and net shots, as well as excellent agility and court coverage. His ability to keep his opponent guessing by mixing up his shots and using deceptive drop shots has been one of his biggest strengths. His mental strength is also impressive, as he has been able to remain composed in the big matches, even when under pressure.
Future Prospects
Kidambi Srikanth is still only 28 years old and is yet to reach his peak. He has a lot of potential to improve and could become an even better player in the future. He will be looking to win his first major title in 2021 and will no doubt be one of the favourites for the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
Conclusion
Kidambi Srikanth is undoubtedly India’s best badminton player male. His consistent performances, impressive achievements, and all-round skill make him one of the top players in the world. With the Tokyo Olympics fast approaching, he will be looking to continue his impressive form and make history by becoming the first Indian man to win an Olympic gold medal in badminton.