Sachin Tendulkar told me in 2015 that I will become World No. 1: Kidambi Srikanth

What's the story?

Kidambi Srikanth took to Twitter to thank Sachin Tendulkar, referring back to the time when the former cricketer predicted that Srikanth would ascend to World No. 1 ranking in the future. Srikanth, who returned from Gold Coast with two medals, one gold and one silver, posted a picture with Tendulkar, thanking him for his ‘kind words’ back in 2015.

I am honoured to meet you sir. I still remember in 2015 when you told me that I will become World No.1 and that made me work much harder. Thank you sir @sachin_rt for your kind words. pic.twitter.com/alNNpr4Qft

— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) April 22, 2018

In case you didn't know...

Kidambi Srikanth became the world no. 1 in Men's Singles category on the 12th April, displacing Denmark's Viktor Axelsen. However, he slipped to No. 5 on 19th April, having lost the points he had earned at the Singapore Open Superseries last year.

The heart of the matter

Srikanth took to Twitter to thank cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar after he had congratulated the shuttler on his World No. 1 ranking.

Congratulations, @srikidambi on becoming the World No.1 Badminton player.Proud moment for all Indians.Keep Rising, Keep shining. pic.twitter.com/jMuASJJQQE

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 13, 2018

His reply came in after Tendulkar's words of praise and in turn, Srikanth referred back to the time when the cricketer had predicted his meteoric rise back in 2015. Srikanth went on to post a picture on social media with Tendulkar just days after losing his place at the top of the rankings, a position he will definitely look to win back.

Viktor Axelsen of Denmark has since reclaimed his top spot in the rankings and leads Srikanth by almost 3000 points.

What's next?

A change in the Badminton World Federation structure meant that Srikanth had to give up in less than a week, what he had worked so hard for. The 25-year-old can't afford to let this slide affect him as he gets ready to take on Asia's best shuttlers in the Badminton Asian Championships, April 24 onwards.

Author's take

It is always nice to see such moments in sport when players interact with each other to deliver praise or boost morale. This interaction between two of India's top sportsmen, one who has been at the top of the pinnacle for almost two decades and one closing in on it, brings to the fans another such moment of joy.