Lakshya Sen to miss India's Thomas Cup semi-final clash against France; here's why
Star Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen, who helped Team India to secure a lead in the BWF Thomas Cup 2026 quarter-finals against Chinese Taipei, will not be in action in the semi-final against France.
Team India suffered a major blow ahead of their BWF Thomas Cup semi-final against France in Horsens, Denmark, with star shuttler Lakshya Sen ruled out of the contest that takes place on Saturday. The Indian shuttler delivered a monumental performance in the quarter-final, helping India take an early lead over Chinese Taipei.
Lakshya defeated sixth-ranked Chou Tien-chen in the opening match, saving two match points to secure a clinical 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 victory in a contest that lasted an hour and 28 minutes. Team India eventually notched up a dominant 3-0 victory, setting up a semi-final clash with France.
What happened to Lakshya Sen?
The Indian badminton team has endured an unexpected setback after Lakshya suffered an injury and will not participate in the Thomas Cup 2026 semi-final. Former India coach Vimal Kumar has confirmed that Lakshya is currently recovering from a swollen right elbow and blisters on his feet.
More from Badminton News"Lakshya is dealing with a swollen playing arm, particularly around the elbow, after his fall in yesterday's match against Chou Tien-chen. He is also struggling with blisters on his feet," Lakshya's mentor Vimal said to PTI.
Lakshya injured himself while diving for a shot during a rally in the quarter-final clash against Chou.
In Lakshya's absence, Ayush Shetty will feature in the opening singles game against the number four-ranked Christo Popov. The French shuttler had defeated Shetty in their only meeting at the Hylo Open in 2024.
Kidambi Srikanth will face world number 10 Alex Lainer in the second singles match, while HS Prannoy will lock horns against Toma Junior Popov in the third singles match.
If the tie extends beyond the singles games, India's Hariharan Amsakarunnan and MR Arjun will face Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi in the first doubles match-up. The last match features the number-four-ranked Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in action against the Popov brothers.
India vs France Line-up for the semi-finals
- Ayush Shetty vs Christo Popov
- Alex Lanier vs Kidambi Srikkanth
- Toma Jr. Popov vs HS Prannoy
- Eloi Adam/Leo Rossi vs Hariharan Amsakarunnan/M.R. Arjun
- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty vs Christo Popov/Toma Junior Popov
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