Lesson from Sudirman Cup: Seniors disappoint, juniors not ready for transition
PV Sindhu didn’t take the court but her replacement Anupama Upadhyaya didn’t show any nerves in her win over Tiffany Ho. The second choice doubles pairings – Dhruv Kapila -MR Arjun & Ashwini Ponappa-Tanisha Crasto also won their matches. These were the only consolation picks from India’s 4-1 win over Australia in the final pool game of the Sudirman Cup.
There was never a doubt in India’s reasonable depth but questions will be asked of India’s disappointing showing in this edition of the mixed team world championship. After their 1-4 loss to Chinese Taipei in the first league game, India lost 5-0 to Malaysia. The scoreline didn’t have the cloak of respectability despite the presence of singles stars, Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth; or the top doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankiredd...