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Padukone's playing style was characterized by tactical intelligence, deception, and adaptability. Watchful of his opponents' strengths, he tailored his game to exploit their weaknesses while emphasizing his unique strengths, such as his supple wrist, tactical thinking, and accuracy.
His victory at the 1980 All England Championship against the formidable Lim Swee Kian—known as the "King Smash"—is a testament to his strategic mastery. Facing some of the fastest and most aggressive players like Rudy Hartono from Indonesia and others from China, Japan, Korea, and Denmark, Padukone distinguished himself by analyzing their style, then devising plans to slow down their pace and use deception to his advantage.