India shuttler HS Prannoy has expressed reservations over the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) decision to introduce a 3x15-point scoring system from January 2027, stating that the existing 21-point format offered a more complete test of a player's game. Speaking during a press conference facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Prannoy acknowledged the change brings curiosity but questioned its overall merit for competitive badminton.

Concerns over match brevity

Prannoy warned that shorter matches could create unpredictability, especially in venues with heavy drift where even 21-point games finish quickly. He expressed concern that the new format could see matches end in as little as 20-25 minutes, potentially affecting both player recovery and spectator experience. "I'm not a big fan of 15 points; I would say 21 points was the best," he said, adding that "as players, we all agreed to that."

Physical benefits, tactical trade-offs

While acknowledging that reduced match durations could improve recovery time for players, Prannoy stressed the need to adapt to a faster pace of play. He noted that younger players might thrive in such conditions, making the transition "very tricky" for experienced campaigners. The faster tempo, he suggested, would shift the sport's dynamics in favour of explosive, speed-dependent play.

Chirag Shetty's doubles perspective

Chirag Shetty, the Thomas Cup bronze medallist, elaborated on how the 15-point system could reshape match dynamics. He recalled that six to seven years ago, players collectively resisted an even more radical proposal to introduce an 11.5-game format, which he described as "really, really quick" with barely any time to regroup. "By the time you are ready, two games are already gone," Shetty explained.

Speed and power to dominate

Shetty highlighted that the new system would favour explosive players who rely on attacking play over those who build their game through longer rallies. "I think 15 now will become purely based on speed and power," he said. In the existing 21-point format, players cannot sustain such intensity across multiple games and rounds, but the shorter format would allow hard smashers to maintain aggression throughout. This shift, he warned, could reduce rally length and make matches faster overall.

Adaptation timeline

Despite their reservations, both players acknowledged that the impact would become clearer once the system is implemented. Shetty noted that "we will get to know in a couple of months," but predicted the sport would "definitely become a lot faster and quicker." The change arrives as India prepares for the new competitive season following their Thomas Cup 2026 bronze medal — only their second podium finish in the tournament's history.