All Eyes On Saina’s Injury As Indian Team Steps Into the Knockout Stage

After a hard-fought 3-2 win over Spain in the first match, the Indian women’s team registered a convincing victory as they beat Scotland 4-1 on Tuesday.

As per the tournament rules, the top two teams with the most number of wins in the group will automatically qualify for the next stage. By beating Scotland, the Indian women’s team have virtually sealed a spot in the knockout rounds.

With Saina Nehwal absent for the second match due to a groin injury which she picked up on her first match on Sunday against Spain, Malvika Bansod was the first to take to the court against Kirsty Gilmour and lost 13-21, 9-21. Aditi Bhatt was up next against Rachel Sugden with an easy win 21-14, 21-8. Aditi leveled the tie 1-1.

Tanisha Crasto/Rutaparna Panda then beat Julie Machperson/Ciara Torrance 21-11, 21-8 in the first doubles match of the tie and handed India a 2-1 lead. Tasnim Mir defeated Lauren Middleton 21-15, 21-6 and clinched the tie as India lead 3-1.

In the final match for the day, the young Indian doubles pair of Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand (daughter of national coach Pullela Gopichand) fended off Kristy Gilmour/Eleanor O'Donnell attack, winning the match 21-8, 19-21, 21-10. India won the tie 4-1.

India’s next and final group stage match is against Thailand on Wednesday.

The Indian women’s team have twice before reached the semifinals at the Uber Cup in 2014, New Delhi and 2016, Kunshan.

The former world no.1 was rested for the second match against Scotland. As team India progresses in the tournament, the matches will get tougher and Saina’s availability becomes much more crucial if India wants to make it to the semifinals for the third time.