Kidambi Srikanth: Wife, Ranking, Net Worth, Olympics, Racket, Results & Fixtures
Kidambi Srikanth is a name that resonates with power, precision, and a pivotal shift in Indian badminton. Renowned for his explosive playing style and lightning-fast reflexes, he has been a cornerstone of the nation’s men’s singles circuit for over a decade. Born on February 7, 1993, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Srikanth’s journey from a budding talent to a world-beater is a testament to his skill and determination. His crowning achievement came in April 2018 when he shattered the ceiling to become the first Indian male shuttler to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in the BWF men’s singles, forever etching his name in the annals of Indian sports history.
Early Life and Background
Age (as of 2025): 32 years old
Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Hometown: Ravulapalem, Andhra Pradesh
Early Start: Began playing badminton at the age of 11.
Training Ground: Moved to Hyderabad to train at the prestigious Gopichand Badminton Academy, the breeding ground for Indian badminton champions.
Family Inspiration: His elder brother, K. Nandagopal, was also a competitive badminton player, providing early inspiration and a sporting environment at home.
Personal Life: Is Kidambi Srikanth Married?
As of 2025, Kidambi Srikanth remains unmarried. He has consistently maintained a private personal life, choosing to keep the focus squarely on his badminton career. Despite occasional media speculation and rumors, Srikanth has not publicly confirmed any relationships or engagement plans.
A Glittering Career: Highlights and Achievements
Srikanth’s career is decorated with milestones that have elevated the status of Indian badminton on the global stage:
World No. 1 Ranking (2018): A historic first for an Indian male shuttler.
Unprecedented 2017 Season: Became the first Indian to win four BWF Super Series titles in a single year (Indonesia, Australia, Denmark, and France).
Commonwealth Games Gold (2018): Stood atop the podium in the men’s singles event at the Gold Coast games.
World Championships Silver (2021): Reached the finals, showcasing his resilience on the biggest stage.
Thomas Cup Victory (2022): Played a crucial role in India’s historic first-ever Thomas Cup win, a landmark moment for the entire team.
Current Ranking and Form (2025)
As of May 2025, Kidambi Srikanth is ranked World No. 24 in the BWF men’s singles rankings. While he is no longer in the top 10, he remains an active and dangerous competitor on the circuit, capable of challenging the best on his day. His current journey is one of experienced perseverance against a new generation of talent.
(Note: For real-time rankings, always refer to the official BWF website.)
Net Worth and Endorsements
Kidambi Srikanth’s success on the court has translated into significant financial success. His estimated net worth in 2025 is around $5 million USD. This wealth is generated through:
Tournament Winnings: Prize money from his many international victories.
Lucrative Endorsements: He has been associated with major global brands like Li-Ning (apparel and footwear), Red Bull, and Bridgestone.
Government Awards: Recipient of the Padma Shri (2018) and the Arjuna Award (2015), which come with monetary incentives.
Olympic Journey: The Elusive Medal
The Olympics have been a chapter of near-misses for Srikanth:
Rio 2016: Put on a stellar performance, defeating World No. 5 Jan Ø. Jørgensen to reach the quarterfinals, where he lost a close match to the legendary Lin Dan.
Tokyo 2020: Missed qualification due to a dip in form and injuries during the critical qualification period.
Paris 2024: Could not secure a spot amid intense competition from compatriots like H.S. Prannoy and Lakshya Sen.
Equipment and Playing Style
Racket of Choice: Srikanth currently uses the Li-Ning TurboCharging 75 racket, known for its speed, agility, and offensive capabilities. Earlier in his career, he famously used the head-heavy Yonex Voltric Z-Force II.
Signature Style: He is celebrated for his aggressive, attacking gameplay. His key strengths include:
A powerful and accurate jump smash.
Sharp, deceptive net play.
Exceptional court coverage and quick reflexes.
In recent years, he has incorporated more tactical, patient rallies into his naturally attacking game.
Recent Performances and Upcoming Fixtures (2025 Season)
| Tournament | Result | Key Match |
|---|---|---|
| All England Open | Round of 32 Exit | Lost to Ng Tze Yong |
| India Open | Round of 16 Exit | Lost to Lee Zii Jia |
| Swiss Open | Quarterfinalist | Lost to Kenta Nishimoto |
| Badminton Asia Championships | Group Stage Exit | Lost to Shi Yuqi |
Upcoming Tournaments to Watch:
Malaysia Open (June 2025)
Singapore Open (July 2025)
BWF World Championships (August 2025)
Legacy and Impact on Indian Badminton
Kidambi Srikanth’s impact extends far beyond his titles. He is a genuine trailblazer who proved that an Indian male shuttler could not only compete but also dominate the world stage. His World No. 1 ranking broke a psychological barrier and inspired a wave of young athletes. His professionalism and dedication, especially his comebacks from injuries, continue to make him a respected figure and a vital part of Indian badminton’s golden era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Kidambi Srikanth married?
No, as of 2025, Kidambi Srikanth is not married.
2. What is Kidambi Srikanth’s current BWF ranking?
He is currently ranked World No. 24 in men’s singles (as of May 2025).
3. Which racket does Kidambi Srikanth use?
He uses the Li-Ning TurboCharging 75 racket.
4. Has Srikanth won an Olympic medal?
No, he has not won an Olympic medal. His best performance was a quarterfinal finish at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
5. What is Kidambi Srikanth’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $5 million USD.
6. Where does he train?
He primarily trains at the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad.
Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of a Champion
Kidambi Srikanth’s career embodies the spirit of a modern sporting icon—one marked by spectacular highs, challenging lows, and an unwavering will to compete. While the landscape of badminton evolves, his legacy as the man who reached the pinnacle of the sport for India remains untarnished. As he continues his journey on the world tour, each match is a display of the champion’s spirit that has made him a beloved figure in Indian sports.