The very presence of World No. 2 Kidambi Srikanth and the 2017 World Championship bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, besides the dangerous Parupalli Kashyap, should make Awadhe Warriors a formidable combination.
On any given day, the likes of Srikanth, Saina and Kashyap can test the best of opponents with their varied skills.
Srikanth, who has been having a dream phase this year — winning four Super Series titles (before the Dubai BWF Super Series finals) — should be geared up to leave his stamp of class in the PBL also. A no-nonsense player with remarkable composure even under pressure, he can make a big difference to the team’s campaign.
The seasoned and the never-say-die Saina is also always there to give more than 100 per cent. The Senior national championship title in Nagpur for Saina over Sindhu was just what the team needed to lift its spirits as it prepares its quest for the PBL title.
In doubles, Awadhe has one of the all-time greats in its ranks, the 2008 Olympics gold medallist and three-time world champion, Hendra Setiawan. The 33 year old’s experience and expertise should give the cutting edge.
Christina Pedersen, the London Olympics mixed doubles bronze medallist and the 2016 Rio Games women’s doubles silver medallist, should also lend assurance.
Saina was retained by the Warriors for Rs. 41.25 lakh, while Srikanth was also retained through the ‘Right to Match’ card for Rs. 56.10 lakh.
Performance: Finalist once, semi-finalist twice.
Quote: “We have the right combination to be the strong contenders to win the title this time around. There is no doubt we will go all out to achieve this objective.” — K. Srikanth.
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