Indian Badminton League: Saina Nehwal vs. PV Sindhu - A smashingly sensational final

Every fan of the game would have at least once imagined this interesting situation! As far as the match between Saina and Sindhu is concerned, it is perhaps going to be the closest encounter possible considering the recent history in Indian badminton. BAI president Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta must be the happiest man around, as this is like a bounty. What is going to make this clash most interesting is its unpredictability. This can turn either way!

Hyderabad Hotshots player Saina Nehwal plays a shot against Pune Pistons player Schenk Juliane during semi final of Indian Badminton League (IBL) at Gachibowli stadium on August, 28, 2013 in Hyderabad, India.( Photo by Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

The PV Sindhu-led Awadhe Warriors were lagging far behind the others at one stage. But showing excellent team work, they recovered gradually. This was thanks to her young team mates, who did not give up despite being shaken initially by the sensational defeat of their captain. Through their vigorous efforts, they kept their hopes alive.

Srikanth’s contribution is especially worth mentioning. Also, Guru Sai Dutt is one of the most focused and agile shuttlers of this event. However, he needs to improvise on his back hand returns. It is his inner fighting spirit that he never gives up and offers stiff resistance, no matter who he is facing.

In the Men’s doubles, Markis Kido and Mathias Boe have been performing consistently for them, ensuring they reached the semi-final stage. They have formed a good partnership, and understand each other’s play very well.

In the mixed doubles, Pia Zebadiah teamed up with Kido and they have been performing admirably, with two wins out of two. They have been one of the strongest pairs of the tournament.

But the million dollar question popping out of the current situation is who is going to dominate the regime of women’s singles, and become queen of the IBL. In fact, by virtue of their classical game play, Saina and Sindhu have made the singles event prestigious.

A very young fan of the game indicated another probable situation and exclaimed, “As far as singles are concerned, we would like to see Sindhu win it. However, Hyderabad is our dream team as first winner of the IBL. That way, it will be the best result for both stars of Indian badminton.” A very viable thought apparently!

Now, owing to the form of both Saina and Sindhu, it is very a delicate situation to comment upon. But I do not hesitate to write that it is Saina who has got more pressure. Her ranking is higher than Sindhu’s. She has got much more experience with regard to the number of tournaments. Another simple but valid comparison is that she was paid more than double the price of Sindhu in the IBL auction.

If Saina loses, psychologically it will be big shock for her fans, who expect her to gain the No.1 position in world rankings before taking a final bow. A defeat at the hands of Sindhu might prove a turning point. Sindhu’s hunger for winning is almost at par with Saina. As the commentators were correctly saying during their last encounter, this is going to be a clash between the experience of Saina and the energy of young Sindhu.

On the other hand, millions of fans would be delighted to see Sindhu emerge as a winner. But even if she is defeated, she has not got much to lose. Everyone, from the media to the organizers to the coach and the fans, jolly well knows that she is a hard worker. It is amply clear that Sindhu is a model of inspiration for young Awadhe Warriors. Her wins proved magical – having a deep positive impact on her team. Many believe the Lucknow team have outplayed others because Sindhu has successfully infused them with a fighting spirit essential to becoming a winner.

Also, she recently won a bronze at the World Championships, whereas all others returned empty handed. She has got a bright career waiting ahead, but this win will certainly fast track her dream of winning gold in the Olympics.

Go ahead Sindhu, just play your natural game and please do not shy away from the cameras, for this is what you are going to encounter every day. Also, do keep on pouring your thought out to the media, as millions of the fans eagerly wait to hear something from a champion.

Interestingly, the fans and coach are in a fix as to whom to support. But in the end, young India will emerge as winner.