‘Indian Team Is Doing Well’: Parupalli Kashyap Backs Rising Depth and New Talent in India’s Badminton Surge

India's recent outings on the BWF World Tour have painted a picture of both promise and transition. At the Indonesia Open 2026, one of the most prestigious Super 1000 events, the Indian contingent endured a challenging campaign, with no singles player progressing beyond the Round of 16. Yet, beneath the surface of early exits, there were signs of depth, most notably in men's doubles, where M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan scripted a breakthrough run to the quarterfinals, marking India's growing bench strength.

From Indonesia, the bandwagon shifted to Sydney, where Indian shuttlers are partaking in the Australian Open 2026. Although the event has been marred by early withdrawals of some key players from the Indian contingent, the spotlight

has been on PV Sindhu to end her title drought ahead of the upcoming Asiad and World Championships.

Adding to the momentum, Satwik and Chirag's recent triumph at the Singapore Open, ending a two-year title drought, has injected renewed belief into India's doubles ecosystem. Their return to form could not have come at a better time, with major events like the Asian Games and World Championships on the horizon.

But overall, one thing is for sure: the transition between the two tournaments reflects a broader narrative- Indian badminton is evolving, balancing elite performers with a pipeline of rising talent. To understand more about this transition, myKhel reached out to former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap to get a more nuanced understanding of the rise of Indian badminton in recent years as the Asiad approaches.

"Indian Team Is Doing Well"- Parupalli's First Impression

"The Indian team is doing well," Kashyap says, pointing to the encouraging performances in doubles. "A second doubles pair beating a top Malaysian pair and reaching the quarterfinals is very exciting. "

Kashyap's assessment highlights a crucial shift-India is no longer overly dependent on a handful of stars. The emergence of multiple competitive pairs and players across categories signals a deeper, more resilient system.

Much of the spotlight has been on Lakshya Sen, whose fluctuating results have sparked debate. However, Kashyap dismisses concerns over inconsistency.

"Lakshya is doing well. The men's singles current lot are all quite equal," he explains. "The top 15 players can beat each other, and even those outside the top 20 are very strong. It's very open. You can't say he's inconsistent. "

In an era where margins are razor-thin, Kashyap's perspective reframes Sen's performances-not as inconsistency, but as part of a highly competitive landscape where outcomes are often unpredictable.

Satwik-Chirag's Title: A Timely Boost

The Singapore Open triumph of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stands out as a defining moment in India's recent badminton journey. "Excellent win for SatChi," Kashyap says. "Beating the Koreans in the semifinals was big. Before the Asian Games and World Championships, it's a great confidence boost. "

The victory not only reaffirmed their status as one of the world's top doubles pairs but also underlined the importance of momentum heading into marquee tournaments.

PV Sindhu: Still in the Fight

Questions around PV Sindhu's form, especially her struggles against World No. 1 An Se-young, continue to surface. But Kashyap remains confident in the two-time Olympic medallist's ability.

"I think she has it in her to pull off a win against any top player," he says. "An Se-young has that head-to-head against everyone right now. But Sindhu is maintaining a high level, and there's a lot more she can give. "

For Kashyap, Sindhu's story is far from over. Instead, it is one of perseverance in an increasingly competitive women's circuit.

Arjun-Hariharan: A Breakthrough Moment

The rise of M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan has been one of the standout stories from Jakarta. "Excellent win for them. much needed for the Indian team," Kashyap notes. "For Arjun, who has been one of the top Indian doubles players for a long time, injuries have held him back. Now everything is coming together. Very happy for him. "

Their quarterfinal finish at a Super 1000 event could mark the beginning of a sustained run at the highest level.

Ayush Shetty: A Star in the Making

Among the next generation, Ayush Shetty has emerged as a name to watch, particularly after his spirited performances on tour.

"He's come up very well. He has the game for big occasions," Kashyap says. "But the circuit is demanding, so he needs to plan his tournaments well and stay injury-free. " Shetty's rise encapsulates India's broader transition-where young talents are stepping up, ready to challenge established names.

As Indian badminton navigates a phase of change, the blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars offers a promising outlook. The results may fluctuate, but as Kashyap emphasises, the foundation is stronger than ever-setting the stage for sustained success on the global circuit.