CWG 2022: Just Want To Be Best Version Of Myself, Says Kidambi Srikanth

In a career spanning over a decade, Kidambi Srikanth has seen it all. The highs of four Superseries titles in a calendar year, the ecstasy of a Commonwealth Games silver at Gold Coast, a brief world number one ranking stint, the lows of 23 first-round exits, and the pain of missing out of the Tokyo Olympics -- all within a little over four years of his career. Now a much "matured and experienced" Srikanth says he is just trying to create a "better version" of himself every time he takes the court.

"I am more experienced and mature now. I always wanted to be the best version of myself. I was in the best possible shape in 2018 CWG and I am very confident as I play the Birmingham CWG," Srikanth told PTI in an interview.

"I consider CWG on par with Asian Games or World Championships. This is one event that happens in four years and the medal reflects towards the nation. I have been playing well in the last year and for me, it is about constantly trying to learn from my mistakes and play better.

"I don't compare myself to 2018. If I have to do something in Birmingham, I will have to create my best version on that day." The Birmingham Games begin on Thursday.

Srikanth's stocks went down after the 2018 CWG as he was left to deal with a nagging knee injury. Soon, the losses piled up and they dented his confidence, which was his hallmark in 2017, leaving him with doubts about his game.

His ranking also plummeted but things started looking up after he addressed his fitness issues during the COVID-19 break. He showed better results in the few events that he could play during the COVID-affected 2020 but with several tournament being cancelled, he failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

"I have lost two years because of COVID-19 as