Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy developing a 'Plan B' in quest of a Tokyo 2020 medal
Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy will be seen implementing the European style of play at the India Open in May
In the crucial few months left for Tokyo 2020 preparation, India's top men's doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are developing a 'Plan B'.
The World No.10 ranked pair are incorporating a tactical European style of play under 2012 Olympics silver medal-winning coach Mathias Boe.
“We were trying to play a new style of game. We may not have played our best but we played a game which was a lot more tactical, different style of play,” Shetty said during a virtual media interaction organised by SAI in the build-up to Tokyo Olympics.
“If we really need to go for a shot at the medal, we need to have a Plan B in place.”
Under their new coach Boe, hired under the the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) Mission Olympic Cell under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) following a request from the duo, the pair bowed out in the second round of the All-England Open after their loss against Denmark’s Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
Adjusting to the new style of play will not be a challenge, Shetty reckons, as the duo are at a level to adapt to technical changes quickly.
“Getting used to a new coach and a different kind of set up is a challenge. But both of us are at a level where we can play all kinds of game,” Shetty said.
“It’s just that we need some kind of tactical improvement in our game. We can defend, we can attack. We just need a few corrections here and there,” he added.
His partner Rankireddy, meanwhile, has also welcomed the positive changes as it is working out well for them in the crucial months ahead of Tokyo 2020.
“Definitely, there are a lot of changes from the previous coach. We have a European style of game now. Previously we had many Asian coaches. It’s been a little difficult for us to change our style of play but there have been a lot of positives, working really well.”
They will be seen implementing the new approach at the India Open from May 11 to 16. However, playing behind closed doors, is not something Rankireddy is happy about.
“It’s very difficult to play without spectators at home. I was expecting family people would come, many were willing to come and support us but in this situation, it’s better to play in a bio-bubble. We are looking forward to it and aiming for a podium finish,” he said.