Why Rakshitha Sree, a Tactical Shuttler and Rally Specialist, is a Rising Star to Watch

The relatively quiet badminton scene in Tamil Nadu could see a resurgence this season. While Rithvik Sanjeevi Satish Kumar made headlines with clutch wins in late 2024, the spotlight may soon shift to Coimbatore’s 17-year-old Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj. Known for her rallying skills, Rakshitha is evolving into a more aggressive player, poised for breakthrough performances.

Standing 5’6” with a natural aptitude for long rallies and a solid backcourt punch, Rakshitha began her badminton journey at age 9, inspired by her father. She moved to Hyderabad early in her career, with her mother by her side, to train at the prestigious Gopichand Academy.

The initial years were challenging, as the Covid-19 pandemic struck shortly after her relocation, confining her to indoor training. However, this period honed her ability to sustain long rallies, transforming her into a reliable retriever.

Midway through 2024, her coaches at the Gopichand Academy urged her to add aggression to her game. “Retrieving isn’t enough,” they told her, emphasizing the need for sharper strokes like fast smashes, punch drops, and slices. To improve her speed and power, Rakshitha began rigorous sprint drills, running 200-400 short sprints daily to quicken her footwork and strengthen her attacks.

Her height aids her court coverage, but speed and endurance remain key for mastering imbalanced strokes. At the Hylo Open in Saarbrücken, Germany, she showcased her potential by defeating Scottish World No. 25 Kirsty Gilmour, demonstrating solid backcourt play and promising net skills.

A fan of Tai Tzu-ying, Rakshitha recognizes that rallying alone isn’t enough to win points at the senior level. “In senior matches, you have to play 10-15 strokes just to set up one point,” she explains. “Especially against Chinese players, who never give up.” She’s also learning to channel aggression. Known for her mild demeanor, Rakshitha sometimes forgets to celebrate points but is working on it. “Coach Rahul Yadav reminds me to shout during crucial points. It helps with nerves and can unsettle opponents,” she says, adding that she’s finding her rhythm with this mental aspect of the game.

Her powerful smashes and quick court coverage already stand out. Alongside national champion Devika Sihag, Rakshitha Sree is one of the emerging talents offering a glimpse of India’s post-Sindhu era. Both players have significant room for growth but are firmly on the path to success.