Will it be the year of the Bengaluru Top Guns?

Ashwini Ponnappa and Kidambi Srikanth at the team launchAfter having a torrid time in the opening edition of the League, the renewed Bengaluru Top Guns will look to put up a much better showing in the second edition, that starts from the January 2nd.In their arsenal, this time around are the likes of Kidambi Srikanth, Ashwini Ponnappa etc who will look to provide a formidable challenge in both the Singles and the Doubles. Also, in the limelight will be the likes of Sameer Verma, who will look to use this platform to showcase his talent and also learn a few tricks from some of the established names.Here’s a SWOT analysis of the team:

#1 Strengths

Kidambi Srikanth will need to take the responsibility as far as Men’s Singles is concerned

There is little doubting that Kidambi Srikanth will be the main man for the Bengaluru Top Guns. The 22-year-old, who is currently ranked 9th in the world, will have the bulk of the work to do when it comes to the Men’s Singles and will also probably play the Trump Match.

In Ashwini Ponnappa, the team also has an experienced doubles player who will play Mixed Doubles with Joachim Nielsen, a partnership that was seen in the opening edition of the League as well when both players played for the Pune franchise.

#2 Weaknesses

Suo Di will have a tough task on her hand at the PBL

If the Bengaluru Top Guns are thin in any front, it is Women’s Singles. In Suo Di, while the Top Guns have a player who has impressed several experts, but to face up against the likes of Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu etc will be a big test for her.

Since turning pro in 2010, the 22-year-old has showed promise having stretched the then 4th seed Sung Ji-Hyun to three games at the 2013 China Open and also putting up a fight against Saina at 2014 China Open.

The Top Guns will heavily depend on the likes of Kidambi Srikanth, Ashwini Ponnappa, but there could be a scenario where matches could be decided on the Women’s Singles game and this is where the Bengaluru franchise could feel the pinch.

#3 Opportunities

Sameer Verma will have a great opportunity to showcase his talent

While the team will depend upon the likes of Srikanth to lead them to victory in the Men’s Singles, it is also a great opportunity for someone like a Sameer Verma to showcase his potential as and when he gets an opportunity and also learn from someone like a Srikanth.

Sameer had a good time in 2015 where he reached the finals of the Sri Lankan international challenge and more recently clinched the Tata Open title by beating his younger brother Sourabh in the final.

While it isn't certain if Sameer will get to play immediately, but if it does get his chance, then it will be interesting to see how he fares against some of more fancied players in the opposition.

The tournament also provides a great opportunity for Arvind Bhat, who will be taking up the role as a coach for the franchise after having retired from the game 6 months ago. The 36-year-old has a wealth of experience under his belt and will look to put them to good use during the course of the next two weeks.

#4 Threats

Anand Pawar will look to put in a good performance during the course of the two weeks

While there is a certain amount of apprehension over whether Suo Di will deliver regularly for the Top Guns in the Women’s Singles, there is no doubting that the other teams will not have take her lightly.

As coach Arvind Bhat said during the launch of the team, the Chinese can give any player “a run for their money” and the Top Guns will hope that his words come true on match day.

Also, a threat could be someone like a Hoon Thiem How in the Doubles and Anand Pawar in the Men’s Singles. Both players will look to punch above their weights and put in some impressive performances during the course of the 2 weeks.