India have become a major force in world badminton since the last five years or so, with singles players in both the men's and women's contest doing well. But, India will need their doubles players to deliver the goods as well in their first match of the Sudirman Cup, against Denmark on Monday.
India have been pitted in a tough group, which includes Indonesia as the third team in their group. Only top two teams qualify for the quarterfinals of the competition, and if India are to have any chance of moving into the knockout stages, an all-round performance is required against Denmark and Indonesia.
They should not think too far ahead, and just take one match at a time. Their focus should be on the Denmark match right now, which is going to be tough.
PV Sindhu will lead India in the women's singles, where she is expected to emerge victorious while either Ajay Jayaram or Kidambi Srikanth will feature for India in the men's singles. With Denamrk possessing two world class singles players, Viktor Axelsen and Jan O Jorgensen, India will be looked upon as second favourite, but anything could happen if the Indian player comes up with A game.
Singles have been India's major forte for quite some time, and the doubles have been a weak point. But in such a mixed team contest, the doubles team have to be shine. Even if both the Indian singles win their respective matches, one win is required from one of the three doubles team to beat Denmark.
Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy will represent India in the men's doubles while Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy pair up for the women's contest. The mixed doubles team comprises Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Sikki. With Denmark having good doubles players, India might have a tough first day in the Sudirman Cup.
Where to watch live
India vs Denmark Sudirman Cup 2017 is scheduled to start from 7:30 am IST. India viewers can watch the match live on Star Sports 2/HD with live streaming on Hotstar
