Satwik-Chirag's secret: 'Think next point, never get angry' ahead of Asian Games
Synopsis
Satwik and Chirag's dominance isn't just about strokes — it's about silence. The world No. 5 pair, heading into the Asian Games as defending champions, say they have rewired how they handle on-court mistakes: no anger, no dwelling, just 'next point.' That mindset, forged through years of partnership, is what sent them sleepless into the Hangzhou final in 2022 — and out with gold.
Key Takeaways
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy revealed that he and Chirag Shetty consciously avoid showing anger toward each other on court, adopting a 'next point' reset philosophy.
Rankireddy said displaying frustration toward a partner 'doesn't gel well' and disrupts on-court chemistry.
The pair are preparing to defend their Asian Games men's doubles gold , first won at Hangzhou in 2022 .
Both players reportedly couldn't sleep the night before the 2022 Asian Games final , yet went on to win.
Satwik and Chirag recently claimed the China Masters title — their 10th BWF World Tour title — defeating He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 .
The pair are currently ranked world No.
India's badminton doubles ace Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has opened up on the mental discipline that underpins his partnership with Chirag Shetty, revealing that the duo have trained themselves to move past on-court mistakes instantly rather than let frustration fester — a mindset he credits as central to their success ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.
The Emotion-Control Philosophy
Speaking during a virtual media interaction on Thursday, 17 September 2026, Rankireddy was candid about how his approach has evolved over the years. 'No, we both don't get angry quickly. We kind of adjust with that. I used to react before. If someone makes a mistake, if I do or Chirag does a mistake, I used to just react. But now I don't react much. As in, it's just a point. We are on to the next point,' he said.
The shuttler explained that emotional outbursts toward a partner create a disruptive ripple effect on court chemistry. 'When you show emotions to your partner, it doesn't gel well. So, it just needs to be like, think about the next point, next point. So, we don't get angry. We never got angry on court till now. So, we never showed it either. We just move on to the next one,' Rankireddy added.
The Same Reset Mentality After Defeats
Rankireddy said the pair apply an identical forward-looking attitude even after losing a match, refusing to dwell on setbacks. 'So, because we have so many points, we just don't… Even with the loser match also, we'll just say, Yeah, I'll play next time. On to the next one,' he remarked. This composure under pressure has become a hallmark of one of India's most celebrated doubles combinations on the BWF World Tour.
Sleepless in Hangzhou: The 2022 Asian Games Final
With the pair preparing to defend their Asian Games men's doubles gold — won memorably at Hangzhou in 2022 — Rankireddy revisited one of the most charged nights of their careers. 'I think I still remember the last, I mean, the night before the finals; I and Chirag couldn't sleep actually. So around 1.30 or so, I woke up for the water. Then I heard a sound in Chirag's room. Like I was telling myself, at least get some few hours of sleep at least,' he recalled.
The following morning, the exchange between the two said it all. 'The next morning I asked Chirag, Shetty bhai, tu bhi soya nahi kya? Then he also said, like, 'No, I also didn't sleep.' So I think we couldn't sleep the before night,' Rankireddy recounted with characteristic warmth. Despite the sleeplessness, the pair delivered a gold-medal performance that reverberated across Indian sport. 'I still can hear that national anthem, winning Asian Games in China. I think it's one of the biggest things. I think nobody would have dreamed that in doubles, badminton will win the Asian Games,' he said.
China Masters Win Boosts Confidence Heading In
The world No. 5 pair arrive at the Asian Games on the back of a strong recent run, having claimed the men's doubles title at the China Masters — their 10th career BWF World Tour title. In the final, they defeated Chinese pair He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang by scores of 11-21, 21-13, and 21-17, underscoring their ability to grind out tight three-game contests. India first competes in the team event before the individual draws open, and Rankireddy expressed quiet confidence that the pair's settled partnership and recent form make them genuine contenders to defend their crown.
Point of View
And the pair's conscious suppression of it likely explains as much of their consistency as their technique does. What is striking is the contrast: this is a pair that couldn't sleep before the Hangzhou final, yet channelled that anxiety into gold rather than letting it fracture trust. As India enters the Asian Games with genuine medal expectations across multiple events, Satwik-Chirag's mental framework — reset, never ruminate — may be the most replicable lesson for a generation of young Indian doubles pairs still learning to co-exist under pressure.
NationPress
17 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Satwik and Chirag's approach to handling mistakes on court?
Satwik and Chirag have adopted a 'next point' mental reset strategy, choosing not to show anger or frustration toward each other after mistakes. Rankireddy explained that displaying emotions to a partner 'doesn't gel well' and can disrupt their on-court combination.
Are Satwik-Chirag defending Asian Games champions in badminton doubles?
Yes, Satwik and Chirag won the men's doubles gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and are returning as defending champions at the upcoming Asian Games. Rankireddy described it as one of the biggest moments of their careers.
What did Satwik reveal about the night before the 2022 Asian Games final?
Rankireddy revealed that neither he nor Chirag could sleep the night before the Hangzhou final, with both waking up in the early hours. He recalled asking Chirag the next morning if he too had been unable to sleep, with Chirag confirming he had not.
What was Satwik-Chirag's result at the China Masters?
Satwik and Chirag won the men's doubles title at the China Masters, defeating the Chinese pair of He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 in the final. It was their 10th career title on the BWF World Tour.
What is Satwik-Chirag's current world ranking in badminton doubles?
Satwik and Chirag are currently ranked world No. 5 in men's doubles on the BWF rankings, heading into the Asian Games as one of India's strongest medal prospects.
