‘Persist with your in-form players,’ is a rule most teams follow to the hilt. That is why it was surprising to see Mumbai Masters not field Vladimir Ivanov against Hyderabad Hotshots on Thursday.

The Russian has been in excellent form in the Indian Badminton League, and had he played against the Saina Nehwal-led side, he could have proved to be a handful against Tanongsak in the second singles. That could also probably have altered the course of the match that Mumbai lost.

It remains to be seen whether Mumbai will persist with Germany’s Marc Zwiebler against a rejuvenated Awadhe Warriors this evening, but they would do well to repose faith in the Russian.

Having lost their matches in Delhi and Lucknow, the Warriors recorded a comprehensive 4-1 win over the Krrish Delhi Smashers in Pune on Thursday and will now be geared up for their clash against Lee Chong Wei & Co.

Vladimir Ivanov (centre) speaks to India’s national coach Pullela Gopichand with the help of an interpreter in Mumbai earlier this week. Pic/Shadab Khan