India’s preparations for one of badminton’s biggest team events have suffered a late setback, with a key doubles combination ruled out just days before the tournament begins. The development comes at a crucial time as the Indian women’s team aims to return to the podium at the prestigious Uber Cup after nearly a decade.
The experienced doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have withdrawn from the 2026 edition due to injury concerns. Treesa has not fully recovered after picking up an issue during the Swiss Open Super 300, where the duo had to retire midway through their opening round match. Their absence is a significant blow given their recent consistency on the international circuit, including back to back runner up finishes at the All England Open, one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
“Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will not partake in the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026 due to the former’s injury,” the Badminton Association of India said in a statement. “Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam have replaced the pair in the Indian women’s team,” they added.
Stepping in as replacements are Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam, a relatively new pairing at the senior international level. While the duo lacks the experience of Treesa and Gayatri, the tournament offers them a major opportunity to prove themselves on one of the biggest stages in team badminton.
Leading the Indian challenge will be double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, who remains the backbone of the team in the singles category. Sindhu’s presence brings both experience and pedigree, especially in high pressure team competitions. India will be hoping she can anchor the side as they attempt to break a prolonged medal drought.
The Uber Cup, regarded as the world championship for women’s team badminton, will be held in Horsens from April 24 to May 3, 2026. Featuring the top badminton nations, the tournament follows a group stage and knockout format, testing both squad depth and versatility across singles and doubles disciplines.
India’s history in the competition includes two bronze medals, achieved in 2014 and 2016, marking their best performances so far. Since then, however, the team has struggled to replicate that success, often falling short in the knockout stages against stronger and more balanced sides such as China, Japan, and Korea. The current squad will be eager to change that narrative.
Alongside Sindhu and the new doubles pairing, India’s lineup includes emerging talents like Tanvi Sharma, Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, and Isharani Baruah. In doubles, the team also features combinations involving Tanisha Crasto, Kavipriya Selvam, and Simran Singhi, giving the side a mix of youth and experience.
Running parallel to the women’s event will be the Thomas Cup, where the Indian men’s team will also be in action. Featuring top names like Lakshya Sen and the celebrated doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the men’s side will be aiming to reclaim the title they famously won in 2022, a historic triumph that elevated India’s stature in global badminton.
The withdrawal of Treesa and Gayatri undoubtedly alters India’s strategy, particularly in doubles where they were expected to be a key point scoring pair. Their absence puts additional pressure on the remaining combinations to step up against some of the world’s best teams.
As the tournament approaches, India’s campaign will now hinge on adaptability and collective performance. With a blend of seasoned stars and rising prospects, the team still carries the potential to challenge for a podium finish, but overcoming this late setback will be their first major test.
