India’s badminton player HS Prannoy has expressed concerns about the Badminton World Federation’s decision to switch to a 3×15-point scoring system starting January 2027. Prannoy believes that the current 21-point format provides a more comprehensive evaluation of a player’s skills. He mentioned that the shorter matches under the new system could lead to unpredictability, particularly in challenging playing conditions.
The Indian ace highlighted that matches could end quickly, even with the existing 21-point games, especially in venues with significant drift. He cautioned that the reduced match duration in the new format could impact the recovery time for players and potentially shorten the overall spectator experience. Prannoy also noted that while shorter matches might benefit players physically, adapting to the faster pace of play could pose challenges, especially for experienced players.
Prannoy’s comments follow India’s recent bronze medal win at the Thomas Cup 2026, showcasing the country’s strength in badminton. However, the tournament also revealed concerns about India’s bench depth after a one-sided loss to France in the semifinals. Doubles specialist Chirag Shetty added that the proposed scoring change could significantly alter match dynamics, affecting the tempo and recovery time between rallies.
Chirag recalled past discussions within the badminton community where players resisted shorter formats. He explained that while the 15-point system is closer to the current structure than previous proposals, it would still bring substantial changes to the game’s rhythm. The new system may favor players with explosive speed and attacking styles over those who excel in longer rallies, shifting the focus towards speed and power in matches.
