Horsens, Denmark – India has unveiled its squads for the upcoming 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup badminton championships, set to take place in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3. The teams feature a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, with Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu poised to spearhead their respective sides.
Lakshya Sen, fresh off a strong showing at the All England Open, will captain the men’s team. He’ll be supported by a core group that includes Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, and the formidable doubles pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced the selections based on Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings as of March 10.
For the women, PV Sindhu will lead the charge, alongside rising star Unnati Hooda. The women’s team also boasts the experienced doubles duo of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, complemented by a promising cohort of young players including Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, and Tanvi Sharma.
Men’s Team: Building on Thomas Cup Success
The men’s squad largely mirrors the successful team that secured India’s historic Thomas Cup victory in 2022. The retention of Sen, Srikanth, and Prannoy provides a stable singles foundation. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, consistently ranked among the world’s best, are expected to anchor the doubles lineup. A notable addition is Ayush Shetty, who earned his first call-up following consistent performances on the senior circuit. M.R. Arjun also returns to the squad after recovering from injury, adding depth to the team.
Women’s Team: Experience and Youth Combine
The women’s team aims to surpass previous semi-final finishes, and Sindhu’s leadership will be crucial. The pairing of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly offers a strong doubles presence. The inclusion of youngsters like Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, and Tanvi Sharma signals a commitment to developing future stars. The BAI emphasized that selections considered both individual rankings and potential team combinations, resulting in the inclusion of players like Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto due to their versatility in doubles formats.
“We have a good mix of youth and experience in both teams,” said BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra in a press release. “The senior players bring stability, and the youngsters are in great form. They’ve shown they can deliver at this level, which gives us confidence going into the tournament.”
Squad Details
Thomas Cup Line-up: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, H. S. Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila.
Uber Cup Line-up: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto.
The selections reflect a strategic approach by the BAI, balancing established stars with emerging talent. The Thomas and Uber Cup represent a significant opportunity for India to showcase its growing strength in badminton on the global stage. For fans unfamiliar with the tournament format, the Thomas Cup is a men’s international team championship, whereas the Uber Cup is the equivalent for women. Both events are held biennially and are considered among the most prestigious team competitions in badminton.
The Indian teams will face tough competition in Denmark, with several top-ranked nations vying for the coveted titles. The tournament will be closely watched by badminton enthusiasts worldwide, as it provides a platform for both established stars and rising talents to demonstrate their skills. The event in Horsens is expected to draw significant media attention, further elevating the profile of badminton in India and globally.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams will be their arrival in Denmark and the commencement of training ahead of the tournament on April 24. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and coverage of the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.
What are your thoughts on India’s squad selections? Share your predictions for the tournament in the comments below!
