According to Vimal Kumar, Ayush Shetty’s coach at the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, tactical discipline played a significant role in Ayush’s defeat against Shi Yuqi, with scores of 21-8, 21-10. While Shi Yuqi proved to be a tough competitor, Ayush’s performance highlighted the need for improvement in reducing errors during high-stakes finals.
“Ayush faced a formidable opponent in Shi Yuqi today, and the match clearly illustrated how experience, control, and tactical discipline can impact performance at the elite level,” Vimal remarked.
The strategy employed by the Chinese player focused on limiting Ayush’s ability to execute powerful smashes. “From the very beginning, Shi appeared exceptionally well-prepared. He skillfully controlled the pace of the game, disrupting Ayush’s usual rhythm. By positioning the shuttle slightly away from the ideal hitting area, he effectively prevented Ayush from delivering his aggressive smashes and precise net shots,” Vimal noted. “This was a critical tactical maneuver executed with remarkable accuracy.”
Vimal elaborated on why a purely aggressive approach is often ineffective against top-tier players such as Yuqi, who is the reigning World Champion and currently ranked World No. 2, soon to ascend to the No. 1 position. “Ayush displayed a clear intent to attack, but at this level, an offensive strategy must be methodically crafted rather than impulsively forced. There was likely an over-dependence on speed without sufficient variation—fewer changes in angles, height, and rally dynamics. Against a player of Shi’s caliber, it is vital to build rallies patiently, create openings, and capitalize when the opportunity arises,” Vimal explained.
Perhaps feeling nervous or fatigued, Ayush attempted to expedite his attacks during short rallies, which proved ineffective against Shi Yuqi. The reckless smashes early in the match disrupted his chances in a tournament final. “The first game, in particular, featured an excessive number of unforced errors, making it challenging to remain competitive against someone so reliable and composed. Even the most skilled attacking players in modern badminton require accuracy alongside power—smashes must hit the lines or establish clear advantages. That precision was lacking at critical moments,” Vimal observed.
Although Ayush started the second game positively, he soon reverted to inconsistent play. “In the second game, we witnessed a much-improved Ayush. Leading 7-2, he had established a solid foundation with better shot length and sharper attacking intent. However, a series of unforced errors allowed Shi to regain dominance. At this level, momentum can shift rapidly, and elite players seldom relinquish those opportunities,” Vimal emphasized.
Despite the loss, Vimal remains optimistic about Ayush’s future. “Nevertheless, this week has been incredibly significant for Ayush. Matches like these are invaluable as they reveal what is necessary to compete consistently with the world’s best. The areas for improvement are clear: enhanced shot variation, better rally construction, tighter control under pressure, and smarter point-building strategies. The encouraging aspect is that Ayush has already demonstrated he can compete at this level. With the right adjustments and continued exposure to such matches, he will only become stronger.”
The coach assured that more positive developments can be anticipated from the 20-year-old athlete. “For Indian fans, there is much to be hopeful about—this is a young player who is learning quickly, competing hard, and progressively narrowing the gap with the elite players globally. And for Ayush, this is just the beginning of his journey,” he stated.
Former BAC medallist HS Prannoy, who won in 2018, congratulated the young player via Twitter, saying, “Asian Championships debut and a silver medal for Ayush Shetty! Exceptional badminton from this young talent, and defeating three major players to medal in such a prestigious event is no small feat. Congratulations. Thomas Cup – Coming Soon.”
India, champions of the Thomas Cup in 2022, once again showcases a strong team, often referred to as a “Dream Team,” featuring World No. 4 pair Satwik and Chirag, All England finalist Lakshya Sen, and now Asian Championships finalist Ayush Shetty, alongside veterans Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy, who bring a wealth of experience and resilience to the squad. Additionally, young players Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun have also had a solid lead-up to the team World Cup of badminton, set to start on April 25.
