The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has unveiled its squads for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, which will take place in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3. These teams are a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, reflecting the country’s badminton prowess. The selection was influenced by recent performances on the international circuit, including significant successes by several athletes.

Lakshya Sen Leads Men’s Team

Leading the men’s contingent is Lakshya Sen, who is joined by notable players Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy. This experienced trio is set to anchor the singles lineup, offering a robust competitive edge. Kiran George will also contribute to the depth of the squad, while young talent Ayush Shetty receives his first call-up following commendable performances at the senior level. Sen’s recent performance in the All England Open, where he reached the final, has added to his confidence ahead of the tournament.

In the doubles category, India will rely on the well-established duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who have been pivotal in past successes. This pairing, alongside Sen, Srikanth, and Prannoy, was instrumental in the Indian team’s historic victory in the Thomas Cup in 2022. Also returning to the squad is MR Arjun, who has successfully recovered from injury and is expected to strengthen the doubles lineup with Hariharan Amsakarunan. Furthermore, Dhruv Kapila, recognized for his versatility in doubles formats, is part of the team.

India is drawn in Group A for the Thomas Cup, facing teams from China, Canada, and Australia.

P.V. Sindhu to Lead Women’s Squad

In the Uber Cup, two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will spearhead the women’s team. She will be supported by rising star Unnati Hooda as the team aims to advance beyond past semifinal stumbles and mount a stronger title challenge. This tournament marks Sindhu’s return after missing the All England Open and Swiss Open due to unforeseen circumstances during her stay in Dubai.

The women’s team features several promising young players, including Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, and Isharani Baruah. Devika earned her spot after winning a title at the Thailand Masters earlier this season, while Isharani secured her position with a semifinal finish at the Orleans Masters. Additionally, Tanvi continues to enhance her standing on the global stage, and Hooda has already claimed three senior titles, showcasing her rapid ascent.

India’s doubles aspirations for the Uber Cup will largely depend on the seasoned pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly. They will be joined by Tanisha Crasto, who has significant experience across doubles formats. Kavipriya Selvam is set to make her debut and will team up with Simran Singhi, contributing fresh talent to the squad.

The selections for both teams were primarily grounded in BWF rankings as of March 10, with the top five singles players and top two doubles pairs automatically qualifying. Additional selections were made with an eye on team dynamics and tactical flexibility. BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra expressed confidence in the balanced mix of youth and experience within both teams, highlighting the potential for success at the upcoming tournament.

Final Team Composition

The men’s team for the Thomas Cup includes Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, MR Arjun, and Dhruv Kapila. The women’s team for the Uber Cup comprises PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, and Tanisha Crasto.

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