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Hyderabad Hotshots v/s Awadhe Warriors
After two weeks of great badminton action, two teams remain on the pinnacle of glory. The top two teams from the league stage, Hyderabad Hotshots and Awadhe Warriors deservedly go head to head in the finale of the inaugural edition of the Indian Badminton League. In the league fixture between the two teams, Hotshots narrowly beat the Warriors 3-2 in a nail biter. This tie will also pit Saina and Sindhu against each other yet again and the latter will be seeking revenge for her earlier defeat. All in all this will be a cracker of a contest and will be an enjoyable experience for the crowd in Mumbai.
Date: August 31, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Sardar Vallabh Patel Stadium, NSCI, Mumbai
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 4, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 17, Loss: 11
Strength: Saina Nehwal is in red hot form. Unbeaten in the tournament, she will want to end it in style with a win over compatriot PV Sindhu. But trust Sindhu to make it difficult for her. Tanongsak did not have to play in the semi-finals, but his performance will be crucial for the Hotshots. The only other unbeaten singles player in the league, Tanongsak will want to carry his form into the final. He will just be hoping that he is not too rusty after a long break. Ajay Jayaram gave the Hotshots a dream start in the semi final by beating higher ranked Nguyen. He will be high on confidence and his performance will make or break this tie for the Hotshots.
Weakness: The doubles area will be a concern for the Hotshots. This will not be because they have weak teams but purely because they will be facing a superior opponent in both events. V Shem Goh/Kim Wah Lim have been a very consistent pairing for the Hotshots, but they will be up against the formidable Kido/Boe. The mixed-doubles which normally has Goh partner Gadre, will be facing the in-form sibling pair of Kido/Pia. But as in the last game, Hotshots might field Saina in the mixed-doubles and that might just be the decision that wins Hotshots the title.
Player to watch out for: Saina Nehwal – Unbeaten in the tournament, at the top of her game, things just could not be any better for Saina. If she also plays in the mixed-doubles and pulls off a win there, she will be deemed immortal.
AWADHE WARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei Feng Chong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Thailand), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido (Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K (India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 4, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 16, Loss: 14
Strength: The doubles events are the Warriors biggest strength. They won both the doubles games in the semi-finals and they will be expecting to do the same in the finals as well. Markis Kido/Mathias Boe have been outstanding through the IBL and they beat the Goh/Lim pairing the last time the met. The arrival of Pia in the team has given the Warriors a new lease of life. Combining brilliantly with brother Kido, she was instrumental in getting Warriors to the finals. Sindhu has come back very well in the tournament to notch up four wins in a row, and will be looking to end it on a high by beating Saina.
Weakness: Warriors lost both the men’s singles games in the semi-final and that will continue to be their primary concern heading into the final. They will stick to the same players and will be hoping the players raise their game in the finals. Srikanth came close yet again in the match against Ivanov, but unforced errors right at the end cost him the match. Gurusaidutt though has been pretty average and it will be a miracle if he manages to pull off a positive result in the finals. Lot will lie on the shoulders of these two young Indians and it will be interesting to see if they can handle the pressure at the biggest stage.
Player to watch out for: K Srikanth – After looking the most promising Indian youngster in the league by some distance, Srikanth will want to end the campaign on a high. He is more than a capable player and will be hoping he can bring his ‘A’ game to the court in the finals
KEY CLASHES: Saina Nehwal (Hyderabad Hotshots) v/s PV Sindhu (Awadhe Warriors)
MATCH PREDICTION: Awadhe Warriors to win the tie 3-2
Mumbai Masters v/s Awadhe Warriors
After playing each other less than aweek ago at the same venue, Mumbai Masters and Awadhe Warriors gohead to head again, this time in a knock-out clash. HyderabadHotshots will be awaiting the winner of this game to play them in thegrand finale. In the previous tie, the Warriors prevailed with a 3-2margin even though they lost both the men’s singles matches.The Masters will be seeking revenge and since the finals is inMumbai, that will be extra motivation for them to get there.
Date: August 29, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Sree Kanteerava IndoorStadium, Bangalore
Broadcast on: ESPN and Star Sports2
MUMBAI MASTERS
Squad: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia),Mark Zwiebler (Germany), Tine Baun (Denmark), Pranaav Jerry Chopra(India), Manu Attri (India), Siki Reddy (India), PC Thulasi (India),Vladimir Ivanov(Russia), Rasika Raje (India), Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Coach: Tey Seu Bock
Icon Player: Lee Chong Wei
Current Standing: 4th
Tournament Form Guide: Tie –Win: 2, Loss: 3 /Matches – Win: 13, Loss: 12
Strength: The Masters will expecttheir icon player and trump card Lee Chong Wei to give them theperfect start to the tie. Even though Srikanth ran Lee close in theprevious game, he might not be able to repeat the same in the crunchsituation of a knock out tie against the experienced Lee. Masterswill also be in a dilemma whether to field Zwiebler or Baun as theirthird overseas player. If Zwiebler gets the nod, he will be a toughnut to crack after producing consistently good results through thetournament.
Weakness: The men’s doublespairing of Manu Atri and Sumeeth Reddy have hardly been able to makean impact in the tournament. The Men’s doubles has a lot of topplayers and playing against Boe/Kido today, will be a herculean taskfor the Indian youngsters. If the Masters field Baun, it will beinteresting to see how she copes with Sindhu. The last match betweenthe two was a very close affair, but do expect Sindhu to raise hergame in a big match like this on home soil.
Player to watch out for: Lee ChongWei – The No.1 player in the world is a treat to the eye whenhe is on court. He might just raise his game a few notches as thetournament reaches its business end and blitz away his opponents.
AWADHEWARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei FengChong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), PiaZebadiah (Indonesia), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido(Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K(India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Current Standing: 2nd
Tournament Form Guide: Ties –Win: 3, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 13, Loss: 12
Strength: After two losses in herfirst two matches, PV Sindhu has bounced back to win 3 on the trotincluding a win against her probable opponent today, in Tine Baun.Her form will be crucial to the Warriors chances. The men’sdoubles pairing of Kido/Boe has been the second best pairing afterthe undefeated Koo/Tan pair and they will be expected to win theirgame easily today. Srikanth has played some really top notch gamesagainst more fancied opponents recently. If he can pull another trickoff his hat with yet another good performance, the Warriors will bein the driver’s seat.
Weakness: The other men’ssingles slot has been a bit of a lottery for the Warriors. They havetried different players and the recent one, Gurusaidutt might find ittough against either Lee/Zwiebler. The mixed doubles pairing ofsiblings Kido and Pia started off very well, but had a poor last gamewhere they were outplayed. The Warriors will be hoping they get backin form and beat Ivanov/Sikki.
Player to watch out for: PV Sindhu –The Warriors icon player turned up in style after the initial hiccupsin the tournament and will be raring to take her team into the finalswhere she will get another shot at beating Saina
KEY CLASHES: Vladimir Ivanov/SikkiReddy (Mumbai Masters) v/s Markis Kido/Pia Zebadiah (Awadhe Warriors)
MATCH PREDICTION: Awadhe Warriors to win the tie 3-2
Hyderabad Hotshots v/s Pune Pistons
The first semi-final of the inaugural season will have favourites Hyderabad Hotshots pitted against dark horses Pune Pistons. Hyderabad Hotshots managed to top the table after notching up the required two points against the Banga Beats in their final game. They will now be looking to go all out and reach the finals. Pistons on the other hand had gone off the boil after a very impressive start to their campaign. But they managed to hit form in time and qualify for the semis in a very closely fought league. This match also sees Saina and Schenk, the top two women’s players this IBL faceoff once more. Hotshots, having the advantage of playing at home, will be eager to give the home fans a win.
Date: August 28, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Current Standing: 1st
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 3, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 14, Loss: 11
Strength: The form of Tanongsak, who is unbeaten in 5 matches in the IBL, is the biggest positive for the Hotshots. They will be looking up to him to give them the ideal start in the tie. Saina also is unbeaten in the league and playing excellently well, but having to face Schenk who will be seeking revenge for the loss in the previous round will not be an easy task. The doubles combination of Shem Goh/Wah Lim also will be favourites to win as the Pistons still don’t have a settled men’s doubles combination.
Weakness: The way in which Ajay Jayaram was outplayed in the previous game, is a cause for concern for the Hotshots. He lacked motivation and gave in too easily. Whether he can get back to form will be crucial in deciding the Hotshots fortune. The mixed doubles pairing of Goh/Pradnya has had a decent tournament thus far, but having to play against the fancied pairing of Ashwini/Fischer will be a tough ask.
Player to watch out for: Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk – With a hundred percent win record, Tanongsak arguably is the best buy of the IBL this season. If he can continue his form in the remaining matches, Hotshots will be worthy title contenders.
PUNE PISTONS
Squad: Juliane Schenk (Germany), Ashwini Ponnappa (India), Tien Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), Wee Kiong Tan (Malaysia), Joachim Fischer Nielsen (Denmark), Sourabh Varma (India), Anup Sridhar (India), Sanave Thomas (India), Arun Vishnu (India), Rupesh Kumar (India)
Coach: Nikhil Kanetkar
Icon Player: Ashwini Ponnappa
Current Standing: 3rd
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 3, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 13, Loss: 12
Strength: Tien Minh Nguyen finally notched up an impressive win in the last game and the Pistons will be hoping his purple patch continues. Juliane Schenk has been the most consistent player dor the Pistons and will be seeking revenge against Saina after she ended on the wrong side of a closely fought encounter the last time the two met. The mixed doubles pairing of Ashwini/Fischer might have it easy against their opponents.
Weakness: Men’s doubles continues to be an issue for the Pistons. After the Rupesh/Sanave combination didn’t work well, they have been trying other options but they still don’t have a fixed combination. It will be interesting to see if the pistons stick to Sourabh Varma for the second singles or might give Anup Sridhar a shot. Either ways this is a grey area for the Pistons.
Player to watch out for: Juliane Schenk – With revenge on her mind and with wanting to prove a point to her opponent, Juliane Schenk will be the player to watch out for today. Don’t be surprised if she manages to beat Saina in what will be yet another cracker of a game.
KEY CLASHES: Saina Nehwal (Hyderabad Hotshots) v/s Juliane Schenk (Pune Pistons)
MATCH PREDICTION: Hyderabad Hotshots to win the tie 3-2
Hyderabad Hotshots v/s Banga Beats
In the last match of the league stages, the Banga Beats take on the Hyderabad Hotshots with only pride to play for. Hotshots on the other hand will be looking to top the table with yet another confident display. Playing for the first time at home, the Hotshots will be more than eager to repay their passionate fans with a commanding performance.
Date: August 27, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Current Standing: 3rd (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 3, Loss: 1 / Matches – Win: 12, Loss: 8
Strength: Saina brushed aside her opponent in the last game and it should be another walk in the park for her against Carolina Marin. They will be looking for her to win them that one important point which might give them the top spot in the league. V Shem Goh/Khim Wah Lim have improved a lot over the course of the IBL and they will be looking to continue the same
Weakness: The biggest plus for the Hotshots was the form of Tanongsak, who won all four of his previous game. With him returning to Malaysia, it needs to be seen whom Hotshots play in his place. The second singles will be played by Ajay Jayaram who has been blowing hot and cold throughout the IBL. They will expect him to pull up his socks and produce another big performance.
Player to watch out for: V Shem Goh – After consistent good performance in both the men’s and mixed doubles, Goh is a big asset to this Hotshots team. Their title run in will depend hugely on his form.
BANGA BEATS
Squad: Parupalli Kashyap (Banga Beats), Jan O Jorgensen (Denmark), Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei), Carolina Marin (Spain), Carsten Mogensen (Denmark), Akshay Dewalkar (India), Aparna Balan (India), Aditya Prakash (India), Arving Bhat (India), J Meghana (India)
Coach: U Vimal Kumar
Icon Player: Parupalli Kashyap
Current Standing: 6th
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 3 / Matches – Win: 8, Loss: 12
Strength: The return to form of P Kashyap will be their biggest plus point. They will expect him to get them off to a good start as they need to try and win every single match. The acquisition of Jan O Jorgensen will be another advantage for them as Hu Yun was never able to produce consistent results. The mixed doubles combination of Mogensen/Marin also will be expected to win their tie.
Weakness: Up against Saina in the women’s singles, Carolina Marin will have to produce a herculean performance to win her match against the much fancied Saina. The men’s doubles combination of Mogensen/Akshay have never been able to get going after their first game and will have to play out of their skins to beat Goh/Lim.
Player to watch out for: Jan O Jorgensen – The last minute replacement for Hu Yun, the World No.9 will be eager to make a mark in what will be his only match of the tournament.
KEY CLASHES: V Shem Goh/Khim Wah Lim (Hyderabad Hotshots) v/s Akshay Dewalkar/Carsten Mogensen (Banga Beats)
MATCH PREDICTION: Banga Beats to win the tie 4-1
Awadhe Warriors v/s Pune Pistons
After stringing together some good performances, the Awadhe Warriors know that a win today, will put them through to the semi-finals. Same goes for the Pistons as well, with them knowing all they need is 2 points from this game, to qualify for the semi-final. It will be interesting to see if the teams strategise accordingly or will they just go for an all out win. This will be the first match played in the Badminton capital of India – Hyderabad.
Date: August 26, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad
Broadcast on: ESPN and Star Sports2
AWADHE WARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei Feng Chong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), Pia Zebadiah (Indonesia), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido (Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K (India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Current Standing: 5th
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 2, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 10, Loss: 10
Strength: Sindhu has won two games on the trot after losing her first two games. Her form will be crucial for the Warriors against the Pistons as she will be up against Juliane Schenk. The doubles pairing of Kido/Boe have been consistently performing well and they should rake up another win. The recent acquisition of Pia Zebadiah helped the Warriors team up Kido with his sibling in the mixed-doubles and they have been performing admirably well with 2 wins in as many games.
Weakness: The men’s singles continues to be the Warriors Achilles heel as both Srikanth and Gurusaidutt have not shown any sort of consistency even though they have shown a lot of talent. The performance of these two today will be crucial in deciding the outcome of the game.
Player to watch out for: Pia Zebadiah – Pia was drafted into the team after Sapsiree was called back by the Thai badminton association and she has grabbed the chance with both hands. Partnering with brother Kido in the mixed-doubles, she has been a very important part in the Warriors revival in the last two games.
PUNE PISTONS
Squad: Juliane Schenk (Germany), Ashwini Ponnappa (India), Tien Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), Wee Kiong Tan (Malaysia), Joachim Fischer Nielsen (Denmark), Sourabh Varma (India), Anup Sridhar (India), Sanave Thomas (India), Arun Vishnu (India), Rupesh Kumar (India)
Coach: Nikhil Kanetkar
Icon Player: Ashwini Ponnappa
Current Standing: 3rd
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 3, Loss: 1
Match – Win: 11, Loss: 9
Strength: The brilliant form of Juliane Schenk has been vital to the Pistons impressive showing in the IBL. Pitted against Sindhu, Juliane will be motivated to beat the Indian after her encounter with the other Indian superstar Saina, ended in defeat. Anup Sridhar, playing his first match of the IBL was brilliant in the last game. Pistons will be hoping he can replicate that performance. After Ashwini/Fischer lost their first game of the IBL in the last encounter, they will be looking to bounce back.
Weakness: Sourabh Varma’s inconsistent form will be a small worry for the Pistons. They will be hoping he can take his game to the same level as when he beat Kashyap in the last game. After finally doing away with the Rupesh/Sanave combination for the men’s doubles, the Pistons got their first win with the Fischer/Tan combination playing in the last game. But playing against Kido/Boe, they will have to be on top of their game to produce a result.
Player to watch out for: Anup Sridhar – The former Indian national champion showed everyone why he was one of India’s best players not too long ago. With an impressive first match, Anup will be raring to go and prove his detractors wrong.
KEY CLASHES: PV Sindhu (Awadhe Warriors) v/s Juliane Schenk (Pune Pistons)
MATCH PREDICTION: Awadhe Warriors to win the tie 3-2
Banga Beats v/s Krrish Delhi Smashers
In the battle of the bottom placed teams, the Smashers take on the Beats in a must win game for the Smashers. Considering it is their last game, anything but a comprehensive win will put them out of contention for the semi-final spot. The Beats on the other hand, after getting thrashed by the Pistons, will want to set the record straight in their first game at home this season. This promises to be a fascinating winner-takes-all encounter.
Date: August 25, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bangalore
Broadcast on: ESPN
BANGA BEATS
Squad: Parupalli Kashyap (Banga Beats), Hu Yun (Hong Kong), Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei), Carolina Marin (Spain), Carsten Mogensen (Denmark), Akshay Dewalkar (India), Aparna Balan (India), Aditya Prakash (India), Arving Bhat (India), J Meghana (India)
Coach: U Vimal Kumar
Icon Player: Parupalli Kashyap
Current Standing: 5th (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 7, Loss: 8
Strength: The only consistent performer for the Beats seems to be Carsten Mogensen. His partnership with both Dewalkar and Marin seem to be working well and they will need to produce the desired results. With Jindapon returning and only Arundhati to compete in the women’s singles for the Smashers, the Beats will be looking to Carolina Marin to get them the much needed point from the women’s singles.
Weakness: The on and off form off both Hu Yun and P Kashyap has been a massive worry for the Beats. Beaten by less fancied players on more than one occasion, the team seriously needs their top guns firing as we head into the final leg of the tournament. One has to wonder if injury is the primary reason for Kashyap’s woeful form.
Player to watch out for: Carsten Mogensen – The one consistent performer for the Beats, Mogensen will be hoping his rich vein of form continues and he can guide the Beats to a few more important wins.
KRRISH DELHI SMASHERS
Squad: Boon Hoeng Tan (Malaysia), Jwala Gutta (India), Daren Liew (Malaysia), Kien Keat Koo (Malaysia), HS Prannoy (India), Sai Praneeth (India), Arundhati Pantawane (India), V Diju (India), Prajakta Sawant (India)
Coach: Rashid Sidek
Icon Player: Jwala Gutta
Current Standing: 5th (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 3 /Matches – Win: 7, Loss: 13
Strength: The top doubles pairing of Boon Hoeng Tan/Kien Keat Koo continue to impress one and all. They are still unbeaten in the competition and they will be hoping to carry their form into the last league game. Prajakta Sawant and V Diju pulled off a good win in the last game. So the Smashers might stick to that combination for the mixed doubles.
Weakness: The singles has been the single biggest downfall for the Smashers this season. None of their players have got going. Arundhati does not look like she can beat any of the top singles players around. Both Sai Praneeth and Daren Liew have been way too inconsistent and this has let the team down.
Player to watch out for: Boon Hoeng Tan – One of the two shining lights in the dwindling Smashers lamp, Tan has been in fine form combining with Koo to form the best doubles combination in the league thus far.
KEY CLASHES: Carsten Mogensen/Akshay Dewalkar (Banga Beats) v/s Boon Hoeng Tan/Kien Keat Koo (Krrish Delhi Smashers)
MATCH PREDICTION: Banga Beats to win the tie 3-2
Awadhe Warriors v/s Mumbai Masters
Mumbai Masters head into their final encounter of the league stage knowing that a win will put them through into the semi-finals. After the setback against the Hotshots, they will be eager to bounce back. On the other hand, Awadhe are fresh from their first win in the IBL where they trounced the Smashers 4-1. They will be looking to build on their form and rake up another good performance. This will be the first match played in Bangalore.
Date: August 24, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bangalore
Broadcast on: ESPN
MUMBAI MASTERS
Squad: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Mark Zwiebler (Germany), Tine Baun (Denmark), Pranaav Jerry Chopra (India), Manu Attri (India), Siki Reddy (India), PC Thulasi (India), Vladimir Ivanov(Russia), Rasika Raje (India), Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Coach: Tey Seu Bock
Icon Player: Lee Chong Wei
Current Standing: 3rd
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 2, Loss: 2 /Matches – Win: 11, Loss: 9
Strength: Lee Chong Wei hardly seems to be breaking sweat in his games to chalk out impressive wins. If he maintains his fitness, he is sure to go unbeaten in the IBL. The performance of Ivanov/Sikki as a doubles pairing is working wonders for the Masters. They have been winning consistently and the Masters would like to stick to the same combination.
Weakness: The men’s doubles pairing of Manu Atri and Sumeeth Reddy have been consistently getting good starts and then throwing away matches. They will have to focus better and finish off games. The women’s singles is another concern area, where the Masters might stick with Thulasi considering she will be facing Sindhu, by doing which they will be able to field both Zwiebler and Ivanov as the foreign players in the line up.
Player to watch out for: Marc Zwiebler – This German has been the go to man for the Masters in the IBL. He has been consistently producing resilient match-winning performances and the Masters will be hoping his form continues.
AWADHE WARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei Feng Chong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), Pia Zebadiah (Indonesia), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido (Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K (India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Current Standing: 4th (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 7, Loss: 8
Strength: The return to winning ways of icon player PV Sindhu will be a big boost for the Warriors. She should be able to rake in another convincing win in today’s match. The men’s doubles team of Kido/Boe continue to impress and produce good results. The Warriors will be hoping they maintain their consistency. The new recruit Pia produced an impressive debut with Kido in the mixed doubles and the Warriors will be looking to continue with that combination.
Weakness: The men’s singles line up of Srikanth and Gurusaidutt, even though impressive in the previous tie, will have a herculean task against Lee Chong Wei and Marc Zwiebler. If they can indeed pull off an upset and beat either of the two, then the Warriors are in with a great chance.
Player to watch out for: Markis Kido – Kido has been impressive through the tournament in both men’s and mixed doubles. He has maintained a high level of both fitness and performance and his form will be key to the Warriors fortune in the later stages of the tournament.
KEY CLASHES: Vladimir Ivanov/Sikki Reddy (Mumbai Masters) v/s Markis Kido/Pia Zebadiah (Awadhe Warriors)
MATCH PREDICTION: Mumbai Masters to win the tie 3-2
Banga Beats v/s Pune Pistons
A revitalized Banga Beats will be rearing to go after a facile win in the previous game. But we will have to see if the long break between the ties has worked in their favour or not. After a wonderful start to the tournament, the Pistons were outplayed in the previous game by the hotshots. Playing their first game at home, the Pistons will surely want to give their fans something to cheer about.
Date: August 23, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Badminton Hall, Balewadi, Pune
Broadcast on: ESPN & Star Sports2
BANGA BEATS
Squad: Parupalli Kashyap (Banga Beats), Hu Yun (Hong Kong), Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei), Carolina Marin (Spain), Carsten Mogensen (Denmark), Akshay Dewalkar (India), Aparna Balan (India), Aditya Prakash (India), Arving Bhat (India), J Meghana (India)
Coach: U Vimal Kumar
Icon Player: Parupalli Kashyap
Current Standing: 6th
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 1 / Matches – Win: 6, Loss: 4
Strength: After the singles players lived up the billing against the Warriors, the Beats will be hoping the fire again. The introduction of Carolina Marin, who outplayed PV Sindhu, was a very bold move and the Beats might stick with her in this game as well. P Kashyap too has got back to winning ways.
Weakness: The Beats have still not found a regular mixed-doubles pairing and that is a worry for them. If Marin plays, they might go with a Mogensen-Marin paring which worked well in the previous game.
Player to watch out for: Carolina Marin – A surprise inclusion in the previous game, Marin caused an upset by convincingly beating PV Sindhu. A lot will be expected from her today but playing Schenk won’t be an easy task.
PUNE PISTONS
Squad: Juliane Schenk (Germany), Ashwini Ponnappa (India), Tien Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), Wee Kiong Tan (Malaysia), Joachim Fischer Nielsen (Denmark), Sourabh Varma (India), Anup Sridhar (India), Sanave Thomas (India), Arun Vishnu (India), Rupesh Kumar (India)
Coach: Nikhil Kanetkar
Icon Player: Ashwini Ponnappa
Current Standing: 3rd
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 2, Loss: 1
Match – Win: 7, Loss: 8
Strength: Juliane Schenk continues to be the best bet for the Pistons. Even though Saina beat her in the previous game, she should still be able to beat the other players in the women’s fray comfortably. The mixed-doubles pairing of Ashwini/Fischer have won all three of their previous game. The Pistons will be looking to push the tie to the deciding game so that this pair has a chance to win it for them.
Weakness: The Pistons have persisted with Rupesh/Sanave in the team, but they just don’t seem to be winning matches. After 3 successive defeats, has to be seen if the management sticks with the pair. Tien Minh Nguyen’s form also has been up and down. The Pistons will be hoping he produces a good performance.
Player to watch out for: Sourabh Varma – The young Indian has managed to put up a tough fight with more fancied opponents in all of his previous matches. It is time he starts converting them into wins more consistently.
KEY CLASHES: Carsten Mogensen/Akshay Dewalkar (Banga Beats) v/s Rupesh Kumar/Sanave Thomas (Pune Pistons)
MATCH PREDICTION: Banga Beats to win the tie 3-2
Krrish Delhi Smashers v/s Awadhe Warriors
After the top teams face each other in the first tie of the day, it is now time for the bottom two teams to go head-to-head. Defeats in the previous game for both teams will have both the coaches motivate their team to grind out a result here. Another loss will see the Smashers further away from the top with only a tie remaining. Warriors though will only be playing their 3rd tie even though they are currently at the bottom of the table.
Date: August 22, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Badminton Hall, Balewadi, Pune
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
KRRISH DELHI SMASHERS
Squad: Nichaon Jindapon (Thailand), Boon Hoeng Tan (Malaysia), Jwala Gutta (India), Daren Liew (Malaysia), Kien Keat Koo (Malaysia), HS Prannoy (India), Sai Praneeth (India), Arundhati Pantawane (India), V Diju (India), Prajakta Sawant (India)
Coach: Rashid Sidek
Icon Player: Jwala Gutta
Current Standing: 4th (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 2 /Matches – Win: 6, Loss: 9
Strength: The doubles pairing of Boon Hoeng Tan/Kien Keat Koo are the only ones consistently delivering the goods for the Smashers. Even though Sai Praneeth lost a hard fought game in the previous tie, he continues to be one of their strong prospects to pick up points. If Jwala returns from injury, that will also add a little steel to the mixed-doubles team.
Weakness: The singles has been a concern area for the Smashers through the campaign. Daren Liew was impressive in his first game but got totally outplayed by Chong Wei in the previous game. If Liew is included, that means the Smashers will be forced to play Arundhati in the women’s singles, and that does not inspire too much confidence in the team.
Player to watch out for: Kien Keat Koo – One of the top doubles players currently in the world, Koo has been brilliant through the IBL. He also could play the mixed-doubles and that is an added advantage.
AWADHE WARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei Feng Chong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Thailand), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido (Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K (India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Current Standing: 6th
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 0, Loss: 2 / Matches – Win: 3, Loss: 7
Strength: The men’s doubles combination of Boe/Kido has been the only positive in a rather dull start to the campaign thus far for the Warriors. They have been consistently producing results with 2 out of the 3 wins thus far for the Warriors coming from them. K Srikanth has been the other star that has impressed and with the opponent not having any star men’s singles players, will give him a chance to get a result.
Weakness: The form of icon player PV Sindhu who has lost 2 consecutive matches, is the biggest worry for the Warriors. They will be hoping she overcomes her slump and gets back to winning ways. The Warriors have also not managed to get a regular mixed-doubles combination going and they will have to fix that soon if they wish to enter the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Player to watch out for: Mathias Boe – A last minute pick this IBL, Boe has been an impressive addition for the Warriors. His partnership with Markis Kido is one worth mentioning as they have combined well as a team.
KEY CLASHES: Boon Hoeng Tan/Kien Keat Koo (Krrish Delhi Smashers) v/s Mathias Boe/Markis Kido (Awadhe Warriors)
MATCH PREDICTION: Awadhe Warriors to win the tie 3-2
Hyderabad Hotshots v/s Mumbai Masters
Convincing 4-1 wins for both teams in their previous game, the battle between the top two teams in the league makes this a fascinating encounter to look forward to. The return of Lee Chong Wei and the form of Saina Nehwal is the biggest advantage for their respective teams. This will be the perfect opening match that the fans of Pune would have been craving for.
Date: August 22, 2024
Time: 16:00 IST
Venue: Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Badminton Hall, Balewadi, Pune
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Current Standing: 1st (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 2, Loss: 1 / Matches – Win: 9, Loss: 6
Strength: Being pushed hard by Juliane Schenk in the previous game got out the best in Saina. She rose to the occasion and outsmarted her rival to win a brilliant contest. She continues to be the Hotshots trump-card. The return to form of Ajay Jayaram and the continued impressive performances of Tanongsak will be an added boost, but one of them will have the tough ask facing Lee Chong Wei.
Weakness: The Hotshots have still not got a settled doubles combination. V Shem Goh/Khim Wah Lim played again in the previous game and got back to winning form. The mixed doubles is still a concern area for the team.
Player to watch out for: Ajay Jayaram – With the prospect of either facing Lee Chong Wei or Marc Zwiebler, this youngster who has a knack for beating big name players will be one to watch out for.
MUMBAI MASTERS
Squad: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Mark Zwiebler (Germany), Tine Baun (Denmark), Pranaav Jerry Chopra (India), Manu Attri (India), Siki Reddy (India), PC Thulasi (India), Vladimir Ivanov(Russia), Rasika Raje (India), Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Coach: Tey Seu Bock
Icon Player: Lee Chong Wei
Current Standing: 1st (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 2, Loss: 1 /Matches – Win: 9, Loss: 6
Strength: With Lee Chong Wei back in the fray, the Masters are looking a very formidable outfit. His men’s singles match is almost a guaranteed win for the Masters and that will help them start on the front foot in the tie. Marc Zwiebler also has put up impressive performances in the course of the tournament. Will be interesting to see if Chong Wei also features in the mixed-doubles, like he did in the previous game.
Weakness: After getting back to winning ways in the previous game, Tine Baun will be pitted against Saina in this one if she is picked for the tie. The Masters might as well go in with Ivanov for the tie and play an Indian against Saina who is currently in great form. That will help the cause of their doubles teams, which have been far from impressive this tournament.
Player to watch out for: Lee Chong Wei – When the best player in the world plays, the rest of the world just sits and admires. That is the impact he will have on the IBL. This was pretty evident in the first match he played.
KEY CLASHES: S Tanongsak (Hyderabad Hotshots) v/s Marc Zwiebler (Mumbai Masters)
MATCH PREDICTION: Mumbai Masters to win the tie 3-2
Krrish Delhi Smashers v/s Mumbai Masters
A morale boosting win against the Hotshots, the Smashers would like to continue their rich vein of form against the Masters. But playing at home for the first time, the Masters will be upto the task. Expect to see a very tough battle for supremacy here.
Date: August 20, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, NSCI, Mumbai
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
KRRISH DELHI SMASHERS
Squad: Nichaon Jindapon (Thailand), Boon Hoeng Tan (Malaysia), Jwala Gutta (India), Daren Liew (Malaysia), Kien Keat Koo (Malaysia), HS Prannoy (India), Sai Praneeth (India), Arundhati Pantawane (India), V Diju (India), Prajakta Sawant (India)
Coach: Rashid Sidek
Icon Player: Jwala Gutta
Current Standing: 4th (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 1 /Matches – Win: 5, Loss: 5
Strength: After a great debut by Daren Liew in the IBL where he demolished Taufik Hidayat, will be interesting to see if the management stick with him or will go back to playing Jindapon as their 3rd overseas player. The other two overseas births are automatically taken up by the doubles pair of Tan/Koo who are looking unbeatable. Srikanth also looks in good touch and has managed to impress one and all.
Weakness: The second men’s singles will be an issue if the Smashers decide not to field Liew. HS Prannoy will have to be fielded and it will be a tough ask of him to beat the more fancied Ivanov or Zwiebler. In Jwala’s absence, the Diju/Prajakta combination worked in the previous game, but they will have to play exceedingly well to overcome the Masters in the mixed doubles.
Player to watch out for: Daren Liew – Daren Liew had a very impressive first game where he outplayed Taufik Hidayat in every department of the game. It will be tough for the Smashers to leave him out of this game
MUMBAI MASTERS
Squad: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Mark Zwiebler (Germany), Tine Baun (Denmark), Pranaav Jerry Chopra (India), Manu Attri (India), Siki Reddy (India), PC Thulasi (India), Vladimir Ivanov(Russia), Rasika Raje (India), Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Coach: Tey Seu Bock
Icon Player: Lee Chong Wei
Current Standing: 4st (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 1, Loss: 1 /Matches – Win: 5, Loss: 5
Strength: With the continued absence of Lee Chong Wei, both Zwiebler and Ivanov have been more than an ideal replacement. Their form has been one of the reasons for the Masters good performances. The mixed doubles partnership of Ivanov/Sikki was broken to accommodate Ivanov in the men’s doubles, but it will be a smart move to put him back in the mixed doubles and get a result out of that game.
Weakness: After two successive defeats, the Masters will have to make a tricky decision whether they need to persist with Tine Baun. But as they don’t have a decent alternative, they will be hoping she can grind out a result. The men’s doubles also is a cause for concern for the Masters. They will have to fix that as well at the earliest.
Player to watch out for: Sikki Reddy – This youngster has been one of the most impressive doubles players this IBL. With very deft abilities at the net she is one to watch out for in this game if the Masters have to get a result.
KEY CLASHES: Sai Praneeth (Krrish Delhi Smashers) v/s Vladimir Ivanov (Mumbai Masters)
MATCH PREDICTION: Krrish Delhi Smashers to win the tie 3-2
Hyderabad Hotshots v/s Pune Pistons
After a setback in the previous tie against the Smashers, Hotshots will be looking to get back on track against the Pistons. It will not be easy though, as the Pistons sit pretty on top of the table after 2 wins from as many matches. This will also be the inaugural match at the new Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium.
Date: August 19, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, NSCI, Mumbai
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Current Standing: 2nd (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 1, Loss: 1 / Matches – Win: 5, Loss: 5
Strength: The hotshots will be hoping Saina fires in this match as well, like the previous 2 matches. But pitted against world No.4 Juliane Schenk, who is on top of her game at the moment, won’t be an easy tie for Saina. Tanongsak has been one of the picks of the IBL as the talented left hander has managed to come from behind in both his games and win.
Weakness: The second singles has been a problem for the Hotshots. Taufik got outplayed in the previous game, so they might pick youngster Ajay Jayaram for this tie. Also the Hotshots have not been able to get a steady doubles or mixed-doubles combination and they might go back to playing regular pair V Shem Goh/Khim Wah Lim in the men’s doubles unlike in the previous game.
Player to watch out for: Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk – After 2 successive wins, this impressive youngster is catching everyone’s attention this IBL. With not a lot of the top men’s singles players in the fray, it will be tough for anyone to beat Tanongsak.
PUNE PISTONS
Squad: Juliane Schenk (Germany), Ashwini Ponnappa (India), Tien Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), Wee Kiong Tan (Malaysia), Joachim Fischer Nielsen (Denmark), Sourabh Varma (India), Anup Sridhar (India), Sanave Thomas (India), Arun Vishnu (India), Rupesh Kumar (India)
Coach: Nikhil Kanetkar
Icon Player: Ashwini Ponnappa
Current Standing: 1st
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 2, Loss: 0
Match – Win: 6, Loss: 4
Strength: Juliane Schenk had a slight scare in the previous game before regaining her composure to win against Tine Baun. But she can’t afford that against Saina in the next match. She continues to be Pistons biggest strength. The mixed-doubles pair of Fischer/Ashwini seems to be bonding very well after winning two successive 5th matches, to give the Pistons the tie. The return to form of Nguyen will also be a big boost.
Weakness: Anything Rupesh/Sanave are doing this IBL, does not seem to be working for them. The veteran pair lost their second game and it will be interesting to see if the management sticks to the combination or gives Fischer a game in the men’s doubles. Sourabh Varma has been good in patches but still has to up his game to consistently produce good results.
Player to watch out for: Joachim Fischer Nielsen – This mixed-doubles player is currently ranked 4th in the world and that is showing in his performances partnering with Ashwini Ponnappa. The team management might be tempted to try him out in the doubles as well.
KEY CLASHES: Saina Nehwal (Hyderabad Hotshots) v/s Juliane Schenk (Pune Pistons)
MATCH PREDICTION: Hyderabad Hotshots to win the tie 3-2
BangaBeats v/s Awadhe Warriors
After facing defeat in the first match, both the teams will be geared up to get off the mark this IBL. Playing at home, Awadhe Warriors will have the backing of the home crowd to cheer them on.
Date: August 18, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Babu Banarsi Das UP Badminton Academy (BBD UPBA)
Broadcast on: ESPN & ESPN HD
BANGA BEATS
Squad: Parupalli Kashyap (BangaBeats), Hu Yun (Hong Kong), Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei), CarolinaMarin (Spain), Carsten Mogensen (Denmark), Akshay Dewalkar (India),Aparna Balan (India), Aditya Prakash (India), Arving Bhat (India), JMeghana (India)
Coach: U Vimal Kumar
Icon Player: Parupalli Kashyap
Current Standing: 4th(Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties –Win: 0, Loss: 1 / Matches – Win: 2, Loss: 3
Strength: Hu Yun even after an opening game defeat should be able to beat his opponent comfortable in today’s match. But the men’s doubles combination of Mogensen/Dewalkar, after an impressive opening display will have to be at their best to beat Mogensen’s regular partner Boe and Kido.
Weakness: Parupalli Kashyap’sform is a rather worrying sign for the Beats. He will have to live upto his billing in his next game if he needs to prove his worth as anicon player. The mixed doubles combination of Aparna Balan/AkshayDewalkar is not the best in the business and this will be a concern area for the beats.
Player to watch out for: ParupalliKashyap – After an opening game defeat, India’s top ranked player will be gunning to prove his detractors wrong. He will be the one to watch out for in the game.
AWADHE WARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei FengChong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), SapsireeTaerattanachai (Thailand), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido(Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K(India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Current Standing: 4th(Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties –Win: 0, Loss: 1 / Matches – Win: 2, Loss: 3
Strength: Even after being outplayedby Saina in the first match, PV Sindhu should definitely be the one,Warriors will be banking on to get them a result. The men’s doubles pairing off Markis Kido and Mathias Boe seem to have hit off very well after the initial encounter. K Srikanth’s impressive win in the previous game will also be a boost for the Warriors going into this game.
Weakness: With two strong singlesplayers in the opponent ranks, the men’s singles might be a bitof a worry for the Warriors. Either K Srikanth or Guru Saidutt willhave to produce a positive result. The mixed doubles pairing also didnot have a successful outing the last time around and the team willwant to overturn their fortunes today.
Player to watch out for: K Srikanth– After overcoming Ajay Jayaram in the previous game, lot willbe expected from Srikanth in this tie. He could be the surprisepackage for the Warriors this season.
KEY CLASHES: Tai Tzu Ying (BangaBeats) v/s PV Sindhu (Awadhe Warriors)
MATCH PREDICTION: Awadhe Warriors towin the tie 3-2
Mumbai Masters v/s Pune Pistons
In the absence of their star player Lee Chong Wei, the Masters still managed to pull off a win in the opening tie. But Pistons are no pushovers and will be more than an able match for the all-round abilities of the Smashers.
Date: August 17, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: Babu Banarsi Das UP Badminton Academy (BBD UPBA)
Broadcast on: ESPN & ESPN HD
MUMBAI MASTERS
Squad: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Mark Zwiebler (Germany), Tine Baun (Denmark), Pranaav Jerry Chopra (India), Manu Attri (India), Siki Reddy (India), PC Thulasi (India), Vladimir Ivanov(Russia), Rasika Raje (India), Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Coach: Tey Seu Bock
Icon Player: Lee Chong Wei
Current Standing: 1st (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 1, Loss: 0
Match – Win: 3, Loss: 2
Strength: The singles display of both Zwiebler and Ivanov was very impressive in the absence of Lee Chong Wei. If they can continue to deliver the goods, Masters will be one of the favourites for the title. The mixed doubles pairing of Ivanov/Sikki, playing for the first time together were exceptional in the first game. The Masters will be hoping they can replicate their performance against the more fancied opponents Ashwini/Fischer.
Weakness: The doubles pairing of Pranaav/Manu were no match for their opponents in the opening game. The Masters will be hoping Lee Chong Wei returns and Ivanov can then slot in to the doubles slot with either Pranaav or Manu. The women’s singles also is a cause for concern. It will be a miracle if Tine Baun gets anything out of her game against Juliane Schenk.
Player to watch out for: Marc Zwiebler – This hardworking German proved his worth to everyone when he came from behind to beat higher ranked Hu Yun in the first match. He will be the man to watch out for in this tie.
PUNE PISTONS
Squad: Juliane Schenk (Germany), Ashwini Ponnappa (India), Tien Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), Wee Kiong Tan (Malaysia), Joachim Fischer Nielsen (Denmark), Sourabh Varma (India), Anup Sridhar (India), Sanave Thomas (India), Arun Vishnu (India), Rupesh Kumar (India)
Coach: Nikhil Kanetkar
Icon Player: Ashwini Ponnappa
Current Standing: 1st (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Tie – Win: 1, Loss: 0
Match – Win: 3, Loss: 2
Strength: Juliane Schenk didn’t have to break a sweat to win her first match. The same might happen again today as she seems to be in supreme form and Tine Baun will find it difficult to match up with it. The mixed doubles pairing off Ashwini/Fischer seemed to gel well in the first game and it will be crucial for the Pistons that they get a good result from their match.
Weakness: The aging pair of Rupesh/Sanave in the men’s doubles is going to trouble the Pistons through the season. Without adequate backup in this position, this could bring about their downfall. After a rather lacklustre first match, Tien Minh Nguyen will be expected to get back to winning ways and that will put him under pressure to perform.
Player to watch out for: Juliane Schenk – The world No.2 was in top form from the word go in the opening game. It is going to be difficult for any opponent to beat her this IBL.
KEY CLASHES: Vladimir Ivanov/Sikki Reddy (Mumbai Masters) v/s Joachim Fischer/Ashwini Ponnappa (Pune Pistons)
MATCH PREDICTION: The Pune Pistons to win the tie 3-2
Krrish Delhi Smashers v/s Hyderabad Hotshots
After losing to Pune Pistons in a closely fought encounter in the first match, Krrish Delhi Smashers will be looking to get back on track against the formidable Hyderabad Hotshots.
Date: August 17, 2024
Time: 16:00 IST
Venue: Babu Banarsi Das UP Badminton Academy (BBD UPBA)
Broadcast on: ESPN & ESPN HD
KRRISH DELHI SMASHERS
Squad: Nichaon Jindapon (Thailand), Boon Hoeng Tan (Malaysia), Jwala Gutta (India), Daren Liew (Malaysia), Kien Keat Koo (Malaysia), HS Prannoy (India), Sai Praneeth (India), Arundhati Pantawane (India), V Diju (India), Prajakta Sawant (India)
Coach: Rashid Sidek
Icon Player: Jwala Gutta
Current Standing: 4th (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 0, Loss: 1
Matches – Win: 2, Loss: 3
Strength: The form of Sai Praneeth after the first game will be a massive boost for the Smashers. They would expect him to pull off another win this time. Doubles pairing of Kien Keat Koo/Boon Hoeng Tan are also expected to win their match against their opponents.
Weakness: Nichaon Jindapon after defeat in her first game, will be up against Saina this time around. This will be a cause for concern for the Smashers. The second men’s singles which could feature HS Prannoy also could be a tricky area for the Smashers as he would have to up him game to get a result unlike the previous tie where he lost to an Indian counterpart.
Player to watch out for: Sai Praneeth – After upsetting higher ranked Tien Minh Nguyen convincingly in the previous tie, all eyes will be on this youngster. His team will be hoping he gives them the perfect start against the hotshots.
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Current Standing: 1st (Joint)
Tournament Form Guide: Ties – Win: 1, Loss: 0
Matches – Win: 3, Loss: 2
Strength: The biggest strength for the Hotshots is Saina. After she demolished her biggest threat Sindhu in the previous game, she should be able to pick up an easy win in today’s game. The mixed double pairing of V Shem Goh and Pradnya Gadre, even though pairing up for the first time, showed tremendous understanding in their previous game. If the tie reaches the deciding game, their contribution is going to be crucial.
Weakness: Ajay Jayaram after his giant killing spree in the recent weeks was way off the mark in the first match. Too many unforced errors cost him the game and he should be vary of that. The doubles combination of Goh/Lim will be pitted against one of the top pairing in the world, so they should take their A game to the court if they intend to make a match out of it.
Player to watch out for: Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk – After a slow start, Tanongsak quietly went about his business and came back to win his first match. It will be interesting to see if he can keep up with his winning ways in this match.
KEY CLASHES: Kien Keat Koo/Boon Hoeng Tan (Krrish Delhi Smashers) v/s V Shem Goh/Khim Wah Lim (Hyderabad Hotshots)
MATCH PREDICTION: Hyderabad Hotshots to win the tie 3-2
Banga Beats v/s Mumbai Masters
In the last match of the first round of matches, formidable Mumbai Masters face the Banga Beats. With the injury threat looming to their top billing Lee Chong Wei, it will be interesting to know how the masters will cope in case he does not play.
Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 20:00 IST
Venue: DDA Badminton and Squash stadium, New Delhi
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
BANGA BEATS
Squad: Parupalli Kashyap (Banga Beats), Hu Yun (Hong Kong), Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei), Carolina Marin (Spain), Carsten Mogensen (Denmark), Akshay Dewalkar (India), Aparna Balan (India), Aditya Prakash (India), Arving Bhat (India), J Meghana (India)
Coach: U Vimal Kumar
Icon Player: Parupalli Kashyap
Current Standing: N/A
Tournament Form Guide: N/A
Strength: Banga Beats have a formidable singles line-up. With world No.6 Hu Yun and No.13 Parupalli Kashyap, they have two strong players to get them the desired results. But if Lee Chong Wei is fit, neither might be able to match up to him. In the women’s singles, Taipei youngster Tai Tzu Ying could get the better of her older, now-retired opponent Tine Baun.
Weakness: The doubles matches might come to haunt the Banga Beats. With only Carsten Mogensen to bank on, they might get exposed here. The Indian doubles players will have to pull up their socks and perform exceedingly well for them to get a result.
Player to watch out for: Hu Yun – One of the oldest players picked at the auctions, Hu Yun is getting better with age. This vastly experienced player will be a tough nut to crack for his younger opponents.
MUMBAI MASTERS
Squad: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Mark Zwiebler (Germany), Tine Baun (Denmark), Pranaav Jerry Chopra (India), Manu Attri (India), Siki Reddy (India), PC Thulasi (India), Vladimir Ivanov(Russia), Rasika Raje (India), Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Coach: Tey Seu Bock
Icon Player: Lee Chong Wei
Current Standing: N/A
Tournament Form Guide: N/A
Strength: Mumbai Masters will have their fingers crossed hoping Lee Chong Wei is fit to take part. If Chong Wei is fit to play, then he is almost assured a win. Marc Zwiebler on his day, as the second singles player, can match up to the very best players. Vladimir Ivanov, one of the very few players around the world who can play both singles and doubles will be a good asset for the masters.
Weakness: Tine Baun who has recently retired might find it tough against her younger hungrier opponent Tai Tzu Ying. With both teams having relatively weaker doubles combinations, the performance on the Indian doubles players will be crucial to the outcome of this tie.
Player to watch out for: Vladimir Ivanov – In a sport where not many multi-task, being able to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles is phenomenal. Will be interesting to see where the management decides to play him and how he teams up with the inexperienced Indian players.
KEY CLASHES: Tai Tzu Ying (Banga Beats) v/s Tine Baun (Mumbai Masters)
MATCH PREDICTION: Banga Beats to win the tie 3-2
Hyderabad Hotshots v/s Awadhe Warriors
Gear up to watch the face-off between India’s two best shuttlers. Hyderabad Hotshots take on Awadhe Warriors in the 2nd match of the IBL, but all eyes will be on Saina and Sindhu as they get set to face each other.
Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 16:00 IST
Venue: DDA Badminton and Squash stadium, New Delhi
Broadcast on: Star Sports2 and ESPN
HYDERABAD HOTSHOTS
Squad: Saina Nehwal (India), Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Ajay Jayaram (India), V Shem Goh (Malaysia), Tarun Kona (India), Pradnya Gadre (India), Khim Wah Lim (Malaysia), Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thailand), Kanthi Visalakshi (India), Subhankar Dey (India)
Coach: Rajendra Kumar J
Icon Player: Saina Nehwal
Current Standing: N/A
Tournament Form Guide: N/A
Strength: Taufik Hidayat and Ajay Jayaram in the men’s singles will be their biggest strength tonight against the warriors. But Taufik’s fitness might come into question if he is pushed into the 3rd set. Saina will have to be at her best to beat the in-form Sindhu. Any lapse in concentration can be taken advantage off by the rising youngster who just won a bronze at the world championships.
Weakness: The doubles pairing of V Shem Goh and Khim Wah Lim, even though a regular pair, will come up against two of the best men’s doubles players in the world currently. The in-experienced mixed doubles line-up made up of Indian players will also be tested
Player to watch out for: Taufik Hidayat – The former world No.1 recently retired from International Badminton. But he must be itching to get on the court again and prove himself and that will not be good news for his opponents.
AWADHE WARRIORS
Squad: PV Sindhu (India), Wei Feng Chong (Malaysia), Gurusaidutt (India), K Srikanth (India), Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Thailand), G Ruthvika Shivani (India), Markis Kido (Indonesia), Mathias Boe (Denmark), K Maneesha (India), Nandagopal K (India)
Coach: Hafiz Hashim
Icon Player: PV Sindhu
Current Standing: N/A
Tournament Form Guide: N/A
Strength: The latest acquisition of Mathias Boe will make his men’s double pairing with Markis Kido a formidable one. PV Sindhu is in the form of her life and will be more than a match for Saina to cope with. Regular mixed doubles pairing of Maneesha and Nandagopal recently won the Maldives international and the team management might stick to this combination for mixed doubles.
Weakness: The men’s singles will be a grey area. World No.12 Wei Feng Chong is their best bet, but playing up against either Taufik or giant killer Ajay will not be an easy task. The second men’s singles will feature young Indian starlet Gurusaidutt. Coming up against an experienced opponent will be a tough ask for him.
Player to watch out for: PV Sindhu – the icon player for the warriors, Sindhu is coming off a bronze medal winning performance at the world championships. Don’t be surprised if she manages to beat Saina in today’s game.
KEY CLASHES: Saina Nehwal (Hyderabad Hotshots) v/s PV Sindhu (Awadhe Warriors)
MATCH PREDICTION: Awadhe Warriors to win the tie 3-2
