Team plots Indonesia's downfall
Indian shuttlers are living a dream. A day after entering their maiden Thomas Cup final, they were busy plotting the downfall of 14-time champions Indonesia.
On paper, defeating the Thomas Cup giants on Sunday may be a difficult proposition, but momentum is with the Indians, as the players are brimming with confidence.
"It's a great victory for us. I am happy for the boys. I am confident that they would do well against Indonesia as well," chief coach Pullela Gopichand told TOI on Saturday.
HS Prannoy has recovered and is fully fit for the final. Due to his lower ranking, Prannoy will have to play the last tie. And if it comes to that stage, Prannoy is an overwhelming favourite against Rhustavito.
However, the key for India, according to singles coach Siyadatullah, is to win one of the first two matches. By virtue of his superior ranking Lakshya Sen will play the first singles against Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. Lakshya thrashed Ginting 21-7, 21-9 in the second round of German Open in March. Even Prannoy defeated Ginting in the semifinals of Swiss Open in March. However, Ginting is unpredictable and defeated Kento Momota of Japan in the quarterfinals and Zhao Jun Peng on Thursday. Lakshya is struggling to find his rhythm but the presence of an experienced coach like Vimal Kumar will help him.
The second tie pits Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty against Mohammad Ahsan-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo. The Indonesian doubles teams are very strong but the Indians can fancy their chances as Kevin is partnering Ahsan since Marcus Fernaldi Gideon is injured.
Srikanth plays Jonatan Christie. It should be a tough match though Srikanth is unbeaten here. "If Srikanth wins and if we get one point from the first two matches, we will have one hand on the title. I am confident Prannoy can win the last match," said Siyadat, who trains Srikanth & Prannoy.
The second doubles team is a weak link for India.
