Intense Rivalry in Indian Pickleball: Vinay Sethia and Dhiren Patel's Journey
The Dynamic Rivalry
In the world of pickleball, rivalries often emerge from closely contested matches that leave a lasting impression. Among Indian players, the fierce competition between Vinay Sethia and Dhiren Patel stands out. Their encounters are marked by intensity, and since the IPA Nationals held in Bengaluru last November, a notable trend has emerged: Dhiren Patel consistently finds a way to triumph. Most recently, he outperformed Vinay at the Indian Masters.
After a series of hard-fought singles finals, the two athletes decided to join forces, clinching the 40+ men's doubles title at the Ultimate Pickleball Showdown, a PWR 700 event in Kolkata. This marked their first collaboration in a tournament, setting the stage for future exciting matchups. Their partnership comes on the heels of Vinay's emotional defeat in the 40+ men's singles final against Dhiren, where he was visibly upset after losing his lead.
A New Partnership
Vinay expressed his enthusiasm for challenging matches, stating, “These are the encounters that push you to excel. Competing against skilled players is what you strive for.” He acknowledged that while he has yet to defeat Dhiren in singles, he has succeeded in doubles, highlighting the significance of their recent collaboration.
Dhiren praised Vinay's skills, calling him a formidable opponent in Kolkata with impressive ground strokes. He shared that their discussions at the Indian Masters led to their decision to team up, making their victory particularly meaningful.
Their synergy on the court was evident during the final, where they dominated Sudarshan Jagnani and Anudeep Jhunjhunwala with a score of 11-3, 11-1. Dhiren noted, “We both hit the ball hard, and our games complemented each other perfectly.”
Challenges and Consistency
Despite Vinay's consistent performance in reaching singles finals at PWR events since the IPA Nationals, he has struggled to overcome Dhiren. Reflecting on his challenges, Vinay mentioned, “Our matches are always close, but a few mistakes and unforced errors have cost me.” He recognizes the need for improvement and more rigorous practice.
Vinay candidly acknowledged the pressure of facing Dhiren repeatedly, stating, “The pressure is always there, whether you win or lose. It’s a mental game that every player must navigate.” This psychological aspect is crucial in understanding their rivalry, which extends beyond mere competition.
Dhiren's Strategic Edge
Dhiren's analytical approach to the game gives him an advantage in tight matches. He explained, “I understand Vinay's game, and I target areas where he may not be as sharp.” He highlighted Vinay's strengths while emphasizing his strategy of avoiding those zones to secure victories.
For Vinay, the path forward involves transforming his consistency into wins by minimizing unforced errors and managing the mental strain of repeated finals. Dhiren, on the other hand, focuses on precision, tactical play, and maintaining composure during critical moments.