Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen’s recent defeat at the Super 750 Japan Open has raised concerns for his coach, Vimal Kumar, who points to muddled shot selection and a lack of power in his smash.
A Worrying Defeat in Japan
Lakshya Sen’s 21-19, 21-11 loss to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka at the Japan Open wasn’t just about the score. It was the decision-making throughout the 54-minute match that truly worried coach Vimal Kumar.
Sen showed flashes of brilliance, matching Naraoka point-for-point up to 17-17 in the first set. However, his subsequent collapse and defeat marked a regression in his game, far from the form he displayed two years ago.
Struggles with Shot Selection and Pace
According to coach Kumar, Sen failed to apply himself in crucial situations. He needed to increase the pace and vary his shots, something he struggled to do against Naraoka.
Sen’s net play was particularly problematic, appearing “blurred and faltering.” His attempts often clipped the net or were easily picked up by his opponent, giving away crucial points.
The coach highlighted the lack of sharpness at the net, with dribbles and tumbles failing to spin effectively. This made Naraoka comfortable and allowed him to dictate rallies.
The Missing Sting in Sen’s Smash
A Major Concern for Coach Kumar
Perhaps the biggest worry for Vimal Kumar is the current state of Lakshya Sen’s smash. The coach notes it’s become “tepid” and lacks its usual sting, directly costing him games.
While Sen claims his shoulder is fine, Kumar suspects an underlying wariness about injury. This caution seems to lead him to play slices and half-smashes instead of powerful, decisive strokes.
Even when Sen gets into an ideal position under the shuttle, his hard smashes often lack the power to finish a point. This forces him into longer rallies, where he eventually falters.
Navigating Mental Blocks and Confidence
Sen’s tendency to become tentative at critical junctures, like the 17-17 mark in the first set, has been a recurring issue. The coach describes it as a “finishing freeze,” where Sen seems hesitant to seize the moment.
This lack of boldness and a perceived “apologetic” mentality about winning are concerning. However, Kumar believes the path to regaining confidence isn’t through smaller events, but by gritty performances against top-tier opponents.
He insists that “losing is a terrible way to build up for wins,” emphasizing the need for harder training and a fighting spirit rather than a conservative buildup to major tournaments.
Looking Ahead
Despite the recent setback, Sen acknowledged the physical nature of the match and the importance of the first game. He admits to making “easy errors” in the second set and struggling with shot length.
He understands that against a player like Kodai Naraoka, every point must be earned due to a solid defense. Sen recognized the need to be sharper in his attack.
Lakshya Sen is now heading to the China Open, a Super 1000 event. This next big challenge is an opportunity for him to apply the lessons learned and hopefully regain the form that makes his smash truly devastating.
- Lakshya Sen’s coach, Vimal Kumar, is concerned about his player’s recent performance.
- Key issues include muddled shot selection, especially at the net, and a lack of varied pace.
- Sen’s powerful smash has become “tepid” and lacks its usual sting, potentially due to injury wariness.
- The coach believes Sen needs to overcome tentative play and regain confidence by competing against top opponents.
The road ahead for Lakshya Sen will involve intense training and a renewed focus on his core game, as he aims to reclaim his peak performance on the international stage.
