The Indian badminton team has been dealt a staggering blow ahead of their crucial Thomas Cup 2026 semi-final showdown. Despite a triumphant quarter-final victory over Chinese Taipei that secured their place in the final four, the squad will have to navigate their next challenge without their talismanic singles player, Lakshya Sen. India is set to face a formidable French side, but the absence of their top-ranked star leaves a significant void in the lineup at the most critical juncture of the tournament.
Injured Lakshya Sen won't feature in Thomas Cup semifinal
The injury occurred during Sen's masterclass performance against world No. 6 Chou Tien-chen. Coach Vimal Kumar informed India Today that the shuttler suffered a severely swollen arm following a high-stakes exchange in the front court. In a desperate, lunging effort to save a point during the opening game, Sen landed heavily on the mat, impacting his elbow. In a display of immense grit, he continued to play for an additional hour and 28 minutes, a decision that ultimately aggravated the injury and forced his withdrawal from the semi-finals.
Compounding the elbow trauma, the physical toll of Friday’s marathon match left Sen with painful blisters on his feet, further hindering his mobility. The combination of the impact injury and the grueling nature of his previous victory has left the medical team with no choice but to rule him out. India now faces an uphill battle as they attempt to reach the final without their leading singles engine.
"Our men’s singles player, Lakshya Sen, will not be participating in today’s semi-final tie against France in the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026. Lakshya sustained an impact to his elbow following an intense quarterfinal match that involved multiple dives," BAI's statement read.
"Following a thorough evaluation by the team’s medical staff, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to allow Lakshya adequate recovery time and ensure he is in optimal condition for the final, should India progress. He is currently under close medical observation and receiving all necessary support. The team remains confident and optimistic about his swift recovery and return to peak form," the statement further read.
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Lakshya Sen's rollercoaster campaign at Thomas Cup
Lakshya Sen’s journey in this tournament has been a rollercoaster of form, but he rediscovered his signature fighting spirit during the quarter-finals on Friday, May 1. In a grueling opening singles rubber, he staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Chou Tien-chen, providing India with a vital momentum boost. According to Badminton Association of India Secretary Sanjay Mishra, Sen is currently under close medical observation. While he is sidelined for the immediate clash, the team remains hopeful that he can recover in time for the finals, should India successfully navigate their tie against France.
With Sen unavailable for the semi-final, the Indian team management has opted for a strategic reshuffle. Rising talent Ayush Shetty has been thrust into the spotlight, promoted to the first men's singles slot to face the formidable Christo Popov. The veteran core of the singles lineup remains intact but shifted, with Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy taking on the responsibilities of the second and third men's singles matches, respectively.
The doubles department will see the reliable duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty leading the charge alongside the pairing of MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan.