The Thomas and Uber Cup comes to a close on Sunday officially on Sunday, but for India, the competition finished on Friday when the eves lost their semifinal to China 3-0. It was a contrasting competition both the Men’s as well as Women's team with the former bowling out in the Group stages, while the latter winning its second consecutive bronze medal.
Here are 5 takeaways from the competition:
1.How vital is Kidambi Srikanth to Indian badminton?
The Thomas Cup team that India sent to Kunshan was a significantly weakened one with both Kidambi Srikanth and even HS Prannoy, not a part of the side. I t was always going to be an uphill task minus the both of them and to say their absence was felt would be an understatement.
Only Sai Praneeth in the contingent that travelled to China put in a good commendable performance as Indi failed to win a single match, finishing in 4th position in their group.
The tournament was a reflection of how important someone like a Kidambi Srikanth is to the present Indian contingent and it goes without saying that his absence was sorely missed.
2.PV Sindhu seems to be on the right track, but needs to close games
While all eyes were on Saina Nehwal to lead India in its Uber Cup campaign, PV Sindhu emerged out someone who seems to have worked on her flaws and come back much more fluid with regards to movements both near and far away from the net.
However, a vulnerability in her play was seen in the semifinal when at 18-8 up in the second game, she let go of 15 of the next 18 points to lose the game 23- 21 and along with it the match as well. Its an area that she needs to work on- the ability to close out games.
The 20-year-old has been a bit inconsistent this year, following her win at the Malaysian Grand Prix Gold and will hope to get a good string of wins under belt ahead of the Rio Olympics in August.
3.Ashwini Ponnappa shows very good skills
The doubles scene in India for some time has revolved around the combination of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, who have been playing together sine 2010 and have tasted success at various events.
Ever since they started playing together, it has been Jwala who has mostly used the front court and early on, it was a bit hard for Ashwini to make full use of the rear court.
However, one observed a positive change in the Uber Cup where we saw Ashwini play extremely well on the backcourt with some clear movements and very good line judgement, particularly in the quarterfinal against Thailand.
This certainly does augur well since it would mean both players could play in their favoured positions at Rio 2016, thereby improving the coordination as well.
4.Saina impressive, but fails to close big matches
Prior to the start of any event, most Indian badminton hopefuls put their money on Saina Nehwal to do well. It was a similar situation at this Uber Cup as well when she began very well in the group stages, winning all the three matches, that included a crushing defeat to reigning All England champion Nozomi Okuhara.
However, her performance against Ratchanak Intanon left many in doubt over her form against top players, as she suffered a straight games defeat to get India off to a bad start in the quarterfinal.
The following day in the semifinal against China, the Indian once again looked uncomfortable, having lost the opening game, but put in a spirited effort to win the second game 21-12 before failing to deliver in the third, losing a hard-fought contest.
Ever since playing her 1st tournament this year in March, Saina’s court movements have only improved and she would that as the countdown to Rio begins, she would hope to be able to maintain a high level of fitness and develop further consistency in her game.
5.Ruthvika Shivani Gadde- a star in the making or one off?
Thanks to Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, India were leading 2-1 in their quarterfinal against Thailand. Ruthvika Shivani Gadde was to take on World No.25 Nitchaon Jindapol in the fourth match of the tie and it seemed very likely that the rubber would head into the fifth match to decide who progresses through.
But the 19-year-old from Vijayawada it seemed had other ideas as with a mixture of lovely down-the-line and cross court hits, she defeated her much fancied opponent to stun the crowd and help India enter the semifinal.
It might be a bit too harsh on her to think her to be the next big contender, but she has shown signs of having the talent to do well at the big stage. The Bangladesh International last year, the South Asian Games Gold this year are only indications that she can compete and a little more polishing could see her emerge as the next best Women's Singles player from India.
