Basel, Switzerland – Top-seeded Indian men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered an unexpected exit from the Swiss Open 2026 on Friday, conceding a walkover in their quarterfinal match against Denmark’s Christian Kjaer and Rasmus Kjaer. The sudden withdrawal leaves India’s hopes resting on the shoulders of Tharun Mannepalli, the only remaining Indian competitor in the tournament.
The reason for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s inability to seize the court remains unconfirmed. The pair, who have consistently ranked among the world’s elite in men’s doubles, had previously navigated a challenging path to the quarterfinals, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the Super 300 badminton tournament.
Their journey to the last eight included a hard-fought 74-minute victory over Japan’s Hiroki Okamura and Kyohei Yamashita in the round of 16, a match that concluded with a score of 21-15, 15-21, 28-26, according to reports. Prior to that, they secured a win against the Indonesian duo of Koh and Kubo in the first round. The Swiss Open represents a crucial part of the badminton calendar as players prepare for larger tournaments later in the season.
However, a shoulder injury to Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has now forced their withdrawal. News18 reports that the injury stems from overuse, rather than a new trauma, a common concern for athletes competing at the highest level. The Malaysian coach, Tan Kim Her, was quoted as saying the injury will likely require at least a week of recovery.
With Satwik and Chirag out of the competition, all eyes now turn to Tharun Mannepalli. The 24-year-vintage faces a tough challenge in the quarterfinals against Anthony Ginting, a formidable opponent in the men’s singles draw. Sportstar confirms Mannepalli’s match is scheduled for later on Friday.
The withdrawal of the top-seeded Indian pair marks a disappointing turn of events for the nation’s badminton contingent at the Swiss Open. The pair’s recent success, including a Guinness World Record for Rankireddy’s fastest smash in badminton – reaching 565 km/h in 2023 – had raised expectations for a strong performance in Basel.
The Badminton Asia Championships in April now loom as the next major target for Rankireddy and Shetty, providing an opportunity to return to form and continue their pursuit of international success. The focus will be on Rankireddy’s recovery and ensuring he is fully fit for the upcoming competition.
The Swiss Open continues with Mannepalli’s quarterfinal match as the sole remaining hope for an Indian medal. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can capitalize on the opportunity and advance further in the tournament.
What comes next for the Indian badminton team will depend heavily on Rankireddy’s recovery and their preparation for the Badminton Asia Championships. The team will undoubtedly be aiming to build on their existing strengths and address any weaknesses exposed during the Swiss Open.
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