Identical twins look to chart similar paths on court

The two also make a conscious decision to play together in tournaments,both in singles and doubles. “Although we play singles,we think we are better off in doubles. Our coordination is better and we understand each other’s game well,” says Lakshit,the elder by a minute. The two brothers also made their professional debut in the same Rs 50,000 event in 2008 in Chennai and try to play together as much as possible. “Because we pair up in doubles once we are through in singles,it helps to travel together,” they say.

The two brothers,however,have had their share of playing separately. “When we were playing the junior circuit,we had to travel to Europe. Because my ranking was higher,I got to play in Spain and Italy. Lakshit,on the other hand,had to play in Bulgaria and Romania. Needless to say he didn’t enjoy it,” chuckles Chandril.

But they do have their differences,not the least in their style of play. “I try to play long rallies while Chandril is more aggressive and tries to close out points quickly,” says Lakshit. “I play a double handed backhand,Lakshit favours using a single hand,” Chandril adds.

Though they haven’t fared very well at the ongoing tournament — they both lost their first round matches in singles,then crashed out in the pre-quarterfinals in the doubles — the twins are enjoying every moment on the courts. “Ever since we started playing competitively,we have probably done a world tour — we have been to every continent other than Antarctica,” says Lakshit.

While Chandril has reached a career-high of 16 in singles national ranking so far,Lakshit has peaked at 19. Their best doubles ranking is 18. But though they do want to register their names on the winning side on the scoresheet,the lack of success hasn’t really affected them. Their professional status has also made them quite an attraction at their college (SRCC). “We show our faces in the beginning of the year,then at the end to give exams. We become the center of attention as all our classmates gather around us and ask where all we have been,” Lakshit says.

“Right now,more than adding skills to our game,we are looking to get as much experience as possible. The last few matches we lost were very close. At the last ITF Futures in Chandigarh,we were ousted in the second round 7-6 7-6 by top seeds Vishnu Vardhan and Divij Saran,who eventually won the title,” says Chandril. “We have been working hard and I’m sure the results will follow,” the brothers sign off. Till then,they are content adding confusion to their opponents.