Why the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Squad is the Perfect Blend of Legacy and “Next-Gen” Power.
If there is one thing Hyderabadis take as seriously as their biryani, it’s the flick of a badminton racket. This week, the city has every reason to puff its chest out a little further. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has officially announced the squads for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals (April 24 – May 3), and once again, the road to world glory is paved with Hyderabad’s finest talent.
The Return of the Kings
The men’s team isn’t just a squad; it’s a reunion of heroes. Retaining the “nucleus” that brought home that historic first-ever Thomas Cup title in 2022, the lineup is a nightmare for any opponent.
- The Singles Trio: Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and HS Prannoy are back to lead the charge.
- The Wall: The world-renowned pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty—the heart of Indian doubles—will be the bedrock of the defense.
- The New Spark: Keep an eye on Ayush Shetty, the 2025 US Open champion, who earned his maiden call-up after a dominant run on the senior circuit.
Sindhu & The New Era of the Uber Cup
On the women’s side, the legendary PV Sindhu continues to be the North Star. But this time, she isn’t alone. The squad reflects a massive shift toward India’s booming youth movement.
- Rising Stars: Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag (fresh off her Thailand Masters win), and the teenage prodigy Tanvi Sharma represent the future of Indian badminton.
- Doubles Depth: The gritty duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will spearhead the doubles, aiming to push India past their previous semifinal heartbreak.
The Squad at a Glance
| Team | Key Players |
| Men (Thomas Cup) | Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Ayush Shetty |
| Women (Uber Cup) | PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Treesa-Gayatri, Devika Sihag, Tanvi Sharma |
Why This Matters for Hyderabad
Most of these stars have honed their craft in the academies of Hyderabad. Whether it’s the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy or the various elite training centers in the city, the “Hyderabad School of Badminton” is effectively India’s national engine.
As BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra put it, the mix of stability from seniors and the raw form of the youngsters gives India a realistic shot at the podium in Horsens, Denmark.
“The senior players bring stability, and the youngsters are in great form. They’ve shown they can deliver at this level.” — Sanjay Mishra
Stay tuned to Hyderabad Stories as we track our local heroes’ journey to Denmark next month!
