The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has unveiled a six-member Indian team for the upcoming Davis Cup World Group I Play-off Tie against Pakistan. The tie is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on February 3-4.
The selected players for the Davis Cup clash are Ramakumar Ramanathan, N Shriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, Saketh Myneni, and Digvijay Pratap Singh, who serves as a reserve player.
The team composition hints at a versatile lineup, with Ramanathan and Poonacha potentially taking the singles court, while Yuki, Balaji, and Myneni could form a doubles combination.
The non-playing captain for the Indian team will be Rohit Rajpal, bringing his experience to guide the players, and Zeeshan Ali will serve as the coach. The selection committee, led by Nandan Bal and including members, Balram Singh, Mustafa Ghouse, Sai Jayalakshmy, Rajpal, Zeeshan, and secretary Anil Dhupar, finalised the lineup.
The last time India travelled to Pakistan was in 1964, securing a convincing 4-0 victory. Impressively, India has maintained an undefeated record against Pakistan in the Davis Cup, emerging victorious in all eight encounters.
Pakistan played host to Uzbekistan and Korea in the previous year's Davis Cup in Islamabad on grass courts. The last encounter between Indo-Pak took place in Mumbai in 2006, with India emerging victorious with a 3-2 win.
The AITA's decision to announce the squad well in advance reflects a strategic approach, allowing the players ample time to prepare for the crucial tie. The team's recent success against Morocco in the Davis Cup 2023 World Group II tie has undoubtedly boosted their confidence.
In the previous tie against Morocco, the Indian tennis contingent, led by veteran Rohan Bopanna secured a 4-1 victory. Bopanna's farewell match in the Davis Cup, alongside Yuki Bhambri, set the tone for India's success.
A win against Pakistan will open the gateway for India to re-enter the prestigious Davis Cup World Group I.