Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has pulled out of the sixth edition of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) due to an injury sustained during the recently concluded 2025 Table Tennis World Championships. The setback has forced the Ahmedabad SG Pipers to replace the seasoned paddler with Ayhika Mukherjee ahead of the league’s upcoming matches.
Manika, 29, is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will not be available to compete for the duration of the league. Ranked 46 in the world at the time of the World Championships and currently at 47, she suffered an early exit in the tournament after being upset by South Korea’s Park Gahyeon, ranked 64 globally, in the round of 64.
Her absence will be a significant blow to Ahmedabad SG Pipers, who had acquired her in UTT’s first-ever player auction. Manika was released by her former team, PBG Pune Jaguars, before being picked up by the Ahmedabad franchise as one of their marquee players.
Manika’s replacement, Ayhika Mukherjee, brings her own experience and resilience to the squad. Known for her defensive style and strong performances on the domestic circuit, Ayhika will now step into a key role for the Pipers as they look to remain competitive without their most high-profile signing.
Ahmedabad SG Pipers’ lineup, apart from Mukherjee, includes a mix of experienced and emerging talent. German player Ricardo Walther adds international depth, while SFR Snehit, Giorgia Piccolin of Italy, Divyansh Srivastava, and Yashini Sivashankar round out the roster. The team will now depend heavily on this core group to maintain their momentum in the league.
Manika’s injury marks a disappointing chapter in what was shaping up to be a critical season for her, both in terms of club performance and international ranking. While her timeline for recovery remains uncertain, fans and the table tennis fraternity will be hoping for her swift return to form.
As UTT 2025 progresses, the focus now shifts to how the SG Pipers adapt to this late change in their squad. With Ayhika Mukherjee stepping in, the team will aim to rally around the new lineup and continue their pursuit of the title.
