India, who have never lost to Pakistan in Davis Cup, will start as favourites when they take on the hosts in their World Group I play-off tie, here on Saturday. The two nations have faced each other seven times with India maintaining a clean slate.
It has been a long 60 years since India last went to Pakistan and had won 4-0. They won the last encounter too, in 2019, 4-0 which was played in neutral venue Kazakhstan.
However, the hosts are expected to put up a good fight through Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, after choosing to play on grass.
If Pakistan stand a chance against India, it has to be on the grass courts because both Aisam and Aqeel are tremendous fighters, and this surface brings the best out of them
The courts in Islamabad are fast with low bounce, and it made sense that N Sriram Balaji, who is a doubles specialist, has been asked to play singles on the opening day along with the team’s best singles player, Ramkumar Ramanathan.
India had an option in the form of Niki Poonacha but he is taller than Balaji, and on low-bounce grass courts, taller players struggle more as they have to go down a lot to pick up balls, and that could disturb the rhythm of a player.
Also, Balaji has the experience of playing on grass. The week-long camp in New Delhi, prior to their departure for Islamabad, would have also made him sharper and ready for the singles challenge.
“I have shifted to doubles in the last couple of years but that does not mean I am totally away from singles. I am practising singles whenever I can. When I get the opportunity to play Challengers I do play, so I am really excited to play against Pakistan,” he said.
Ramkumar is one player in the current generation of Indians who loves to serve and volley, and playing on grass is his strength too. His career-best result of making the ATP250 final in Newport also came on grass courts.
Ramkumar will open the tie for India with a clash against 43-year-old Aisam, who said he is “younger at heart.” “All of you are reminding me of my age but I am young at heart,” he joked at the draw ceremony.
“Playing against India motivates me. I had a tough 2023, I had injuries and my ranking also dropped. I am inspired to play this tie.”
India’s non-playing captain Zeeshan Ali felt that it would be a close tie and refused to engage in discussion on why the Indian cricket team or other Indian athletes do not travel to Pakistan.
“We are here to play tennis. Certain decisions are taken by the government and we have no role in that. We have come prepared, and we have a job to do,” he said and also acknowledged the warm hospitality the hosts have offered to the Indian team.
Pakistan have nominated Barkatullah and Muzammil Murtaza to take on Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni in the doubles.
Teams can change nominations on the morning of the match. If It’s 1-1 on day one, Aisam and Aqeel may play the doubles as well, as they have done in the past.
Pakistan are playing at home but they may not really enjoy home support as only 500 guests and fans have been allowed to be present by the ITF.