Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan will spearhead India’s challenge against Denmark in the Davis Cup World Group 1 play-off tie to be held in New Delhi on March 4 and 5.
Sumit Nagal, who underwent a hip surgery last year and is on the recovery path, was not available to play in this tie.
“I am happy with the team I have got,” coach Zeeshan Ali told The Telegraph. “Nagal was not considered since he is recovering from surgery and will not be fit enough to play in early March. But am happy that Yuki is back in the fray.”
Zeeshan added that India had four players to choose from to play the singles. “Yuki and Ramkumar are both good on grass and they will most probably play the singles. But we also have Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Saketh Myneni (No.1 reserve).
“Yuki can be very difficult to beat if he finds his groove so am really happy to have him back in the team.”
In 2019, Yuki had reached a career-best rank of 83, but a recurring knee injury kept him out of the Tour repeatedly. He is now ranked 863. However, the coach has a lot of faith in his abilities.
Doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna has retained his place in the squad alongside Divij Sharan, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said in a statement.
“Bopanna is our most experienced doubles player and he recently won a title (Adelaide International, along with Ramkumar) and so he is an automatic choice,” Zeeshan added.
Zeeshan, however, expressed his displeasure over the fact that 25-year-old Sasi kumar Mukund had made himself unavailable for selection for the third time.
“He is a young player. I just don’t understand how he repeatedly gives up on an opportunity to play for the country,” Zeeshan said. Mukund is now ranked 364 in the ATP singles list.
The tie will be held at the grass courts of Delhi Gymkhana Club and strict bio-security bubble protocols will be maintained.
The team will assemble in New Delhi on February 23.
The Squad
Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan, Saketh Myneni (reserve 1), Niki Poonacha (reserve 2), Digvijay Pratap Singh (reserve 3). Rohit Rajpal (non-playing captain).
