Daijiworld Media Network - Horsens

Horsens, May 2: India’s men’s team will take on France for a place in the final of the Thomas Cup 2026 in Horsens on Saturday, after storming into the semifinals with a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei.

India, however, will miss the services of Lakshya Sen, who has been ruled out due to a swollen elbow. In his absence, Kidambi Srikanth will step in for the crucial tie.

Young shuttler Ayush Shetty is set to play the opening singles match against world No. 4 Christo Popov. Srikanth will feature in the second singles, facing world No. 10 Alex Lanier.

In the third singles, H S Prannoy will take on world No. 17 Toma Junior Popov.

If the tie progresses to doubles, the pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and M R Arjun will face Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi.

In the final match, India’s top-ranked duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will clash with the Popov brothers.

India have already assured themselves of a medal by reaching the semifinals. The country had earlier clinched the Thomas Cup title in 2022 and won bronze medals in 1952, 1955, and 1979.