India will pitch a strong team against Norway, who they are facing for the first time in Davis Cup competition, in the World Group I first round. India have recalled Sumit Nagal for the September 16 and 17 tie, to be played at Haakons Hall in Lillehammer, Norway.

India had made the finals of the Davis Cup thrice – in 1966, 1974, and 1987. Along with Nagal, India’s No.1 singles player Ramkumar Ramanathan (ranked 196 on the ATP list), Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Sasikumar Mukund, Yuki Bhambri and veteran doubles player Rohan Bopanna have been selected.

Another doubles player, Divij Sharan, has been left out of the squad.

Nagal had missed the World Group 1 play-off tie against Denmark held in New Delhi on March 4 and 5 due to injury. India had won that tie 4-0, qualifying for the match against Norway.

Coach Zeeshan Ali, who was present at the selection meeting held virtually on Wednesday, told The Telegraph: “We have a balanced side. We have never played Norway and you can say that facing an unknown team has its own challenges. But I am hoping we will be able to put up a good show.”

The weather may be on the chilly side in September, but Zeeshan feels that will not be a major issue for the Indians. Nagal, who underwent a hip surgery in November 2021, has started playing on the circuit from April this year.

He last played a Davis Cup tie in March 2021 against Croatia. Of the six players named, one will be deemed a reserve after assessing conditions in Norway.

The team will be of five players. Sasikumar, who is yet play a Davis Cup tie, may be made a reserve.