Indian badminton ace Kidambi Srikanth rolled back the years with a commanding victory over his younger compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat to storm into the second round of the Canada Open 2025 in Calgary on Tuesday. Srikanth, who has been battling inconsistency over the last two seasons, produced a clinical display to dispatch Rajawat in straight games, signalling his intent to mount a comeback on the BWF World Tour circuit.
Match Summary
Facing the talented Priyanshu Rajawat – considered one of India’s rising stars – Srikanth showed superior tactical control and sharp net play to seal the match 21-15, 21-17 in just 41 minutes.
Key Stats
| Player | Game 1 | Game 2 | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidambi Srikanth | 21 | 21 | 42 |
| Priyanshu Rajawat | 15 | 17 | 32 |
How Srikanth Outplayed Rajawat
- Aggressive Front Court Control: Srikanth dominated net exchanges, forcing Priyanshu into defensive lifts, which he finished with steep smashes.
- Experience Advantage: Rajawat attempted quick rallies but Srikanth maintained composure during crucial points, especially from 15-15 onwards in Game 2.
- Sharp Movement: Srikanth’s improved court coverage reduced unforced errors, a visible improvement from his early season performances.
Post-Match Reactions
Kidambi Srikanth
“Priyanshu is an exceptional talent. I knew I had to play at my best to beat him. Happy with the way I controlled rallies and reduced errors today.”
Priyanshu Rajawat
“He played really well. I felt I rushed some points in the second game, but it’s a good learning experience to play against a senior like Srikanth bhaiya.”
Kidambi Srikanth’s Recent Struggles and Goals
The former World No.1 has had a challenging phase since 2023, battling early exits and injuries. His recent results before Canada Open:
- Indonesia Open (June 2025): Lost in Round 1
- Thailand Open (May 2025): Lost in Quarterfinals
- Malaysia Masters (April 2025): Lost in Round 2
Srikanth admitted:
“Fitness and consistency have been issues, but I have worked hard in training. My target is to break into the top-20 again before year-end and qualify for the 2026 World Championships.”
India’s Strong Presence at Canada Open
Apart from Srikanth, other Indians in action include:
- Lakshya Sen: Seeded 4th, begins campaign against Koki Watanabe.
- HS Prannoy: Faces Brian Yang in Round 1.
- PV Sindhu: Top seed in women’s singles, aims for her first title of 2025.
- Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand: Compete in women’s doubles, targeting crucial Olympic qualification points.
Next Match for Srikanth
In the second round, Srikanth will face either Brian Yang (Canada) or Rasmus Gemke (Denmark). Both are known for their speed and fitness, posing a significant challenge for the Indian veteran.
Expert Reactions
Pullela Gopichand (Chief National Coach)
“This is the Srikanth we know. If he maintains this discipline and intensity, he can still beat the best.”
BWF Analysts
“Rajawat’s loss shows there is still a gap in experience, but Srikanth’s win will boost his confidence immensely.”
Fans’ Buzz
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express delight:
- “Vintage Kidambi is back. Such clean net play today.”
- “Srikanth defeating Rajawat shows the old guard is still strong.”
- “Hoping he wins Canada Open and gets back into top-20 soon.”
Final Takeaway
Kidambi Srikanth’s dominant win over Priyanshu Rajawat is not just a victory on paper but a statement that he remains a force in Indian badminton. As he progresses to the second round, his performance will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike, who hope this marks the beginning of a strong comeback season for India’s former world number one.
Disclaimer: Player quotes sourced from BWF post-match interviews. For live scores and match timings, follow the official Canada Open 2025 broadcast and BWF digital platforms.
