PV Sindhu needs to learn how to stay calm

PV Sindhu of Awadhe Warriors in action during her match against Carolina Marin of Banga Beats in Indian Badminton League 2013 at Babu Banarasi Das Badminton Academy on August 18, 2013 in Lucknow, India. (Getty Images)

The PV Sindhu-led Awadhe Warriors team seems to be doing fairly well at the inaugural Indian Badminton League. The last two clashes have now firmly established that, if given proper environment, encouragement and direction, young Indian shuttlers can do wonders on the court.

After three matches, the Warriors were lying in the fifth position with just eight points. The determination, commitment and most importantly, the spirit of PV Sindhu has made the comeback possible.

Following yesterday’s impressive win over Mumbai, their tally stands at 12. While their chances of progression are now greater, the outcome of matches between other teams will play a crucial role in deciding the final rankings.

After an inconsistent start, the Warriors have successfully made a mark on the tournament through dedicated teamwork. The sweat and toil put in by Sindhu will definitely go a long way to attract the attention of a large number of new fans, thus serving the very purpose of IBL.

Up until now, Sindhu was counted among the fast developing women shuttlers from the Indian badminton circuit. Often she was given the benefit of sympathy, as she does not possess the experience Saina Nehwal does.

But now it is time for her to realise that success is the ultimate key word. No one will cut her any slack. She will have to take her game to the next level as there is no scope for loss of concentration or carelessness.

There are various areas of improvement, including the force behind the returns due to drift, accuracy in net returns, improvement in half smashes and controlled backhand returns. But most importantly she should learn not to indulge in rallies.

Sindhu is a very capable and versatile player, who needs to learn to stay calm. Her aggression is slowly becoming a part of her personality, and causing lapses in concentration. This loss of focus, albeit in short spells, is the most damaging.

The points mentioned above represent the feelings of many ardent supporters. Sindhu has got a long journey to undertake, and her coach, Pullela Gopichand will surely take a note of the situation.

Gopichand will make her mentally tough by providing professional counselling, if need be. This would go a long way in fulfilling her dream of winning gold at the Olympics.