India Announces Strong Teams for 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals
India's Badminton Teams for 2026 Finals
The Badminton Association of India has finalized a dynamic blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers for the upcoming 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals, scheduled to take place in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3. The men's squad will be anchored by Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the successful duo of Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, while the women's team will be led by PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda.
Men's and Women's Teams: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The men's team retains key members from the squad that achieved India's first Thomas Cup victory in 2022, with Sen, Srikanth, and H. S. Prannoy taking charge of the singles events. The experienced doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also compete. Young talent Ayush Shetty has received his first call-up following impressive performances on the senior circuit. In the women's category, Sindhu will lead the charge, supported by the top doubles team of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, as they aim to surpass their previous semifinal results. Hooda is joined by a talented group of young players, including Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, and the promising teenager Tanvi Sharma.
Selection Criteria and Team Composition
The selection process was guided by the BWF rankings as of March 10, with the top five singles players and the leading two doubles pairs being chosen. Additional selections were made to optimize team dynamics, allowing experienced players like Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto to join the squad due to their versatility in doubles formats.
"We have successfully combined youth and experience in both teams. The senior players provide stability, while the younger athletes are in excellent form and have proven their capability at this level, which boosts our confidence for the tournament," stated Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of the Badminton Association of India.
Strengthening the Squads
The men's team also welcomes back M. R. Arjun, who has made a strong recovery from injury, enhancing the doubles lineup alongside Hariharan Amsakarunan. Dhruv Kapila adds further experience, while Kiran George enhances the singles depth.
In the women's lineup, Devika's selection follows her victory at the Thailand Masters, while Isharani joins after a semifinal finish at the Orleans Masters. Tanvi Sharma continues to establish herself as a rising star, and Hooda's rapid ascent has already earned her three senior titles. The doubles team will also see Kavipriya Selvam making her debut, partnering with Simran Singhi, while Tanisha Crasto will compete in the doubles category.
Final Team Lineups for the Thomas and Uber Cup 2026
Men's Team:
Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, H. S. Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila.
Women's Team:
PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto.