Combining with Satwik a defining moment in career, says Chirag Shetty

Badminton player Chirag Shetty opens up about his partnership with Satwik in an exclusive chat with The Hindu

Chirag Shetty believes that combining with R. Satwiksairaj is one of the defining moments of his career.

“Yes, in fact, for both of us it has been a decisive phase. Initially, I was skeptical for sure. But, when we look back now, it certainly was a very, very good decision,” 25-year-old Chirag said in an exclusive chat with The Hindu after the duo completed a historic men’s doubles title-triumph in the recent Indonesia Open badminton championship.

“Definitely, unlike in the past there are no definite roles like that he should take care of defence or I should attack or vice versa. We are now adept in adapting to a given situation and our responses in a crisis have been really effective,” Chirag said of his partnership.

“Satwik is a very calm and composed guy, ensuring the pressure doesn’t build up. We complement each other pretty well with a clear strategy going into a match,” he said.

“I believe we need to work a lot more on defence though we are a lot more steadier than we were a few years ago,” Chirag said. “Honestly, learning is a never-ending process as they say. We can never be perfect,” he added.

Looking back at the Indonesia Open doubles title, Chirag said winning any title – be it in the Super 500 or Super 1000 –would always be a big thing. “I don’t think the difference in standard is too big. And, we still have to give our best to win any title,” he said.

“Yes, beating Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Wooi Yik Soh in a convincing manner in the final,  to whom we lost eight times before, was something special. We just put behind the earlier disappointments and it was quite challenging and eventually very satisfying to win the contest,” Chirag said.