Ramkumar Ramanathan was named on Sunday in a five-member squad for the grass court challenge against Pakistan—a clear sign that an Indian Davis Cup side is preparing to play on Pakistan soil for the first time in 60 years even as AITA awaits the ITF tribunal’s decision on its appeal against travel to neighbouring nation on security concerns.
India last travelled to Pakistan way back in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. India has never lost to Pakistan in the Davis Cup competition in eight ties against each other.
Ramkumar, whose serve and volley game style suits the grass surface, will lead the squad, which includes N Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Niki Poonacha, and Saketh Myneni, as the All India Tennis Association (AITA) named the team for the February 3–4 World Group I play-off tie on Sunday.
The team has only Ramkumar and the 2019 national champion as singles players, while the three others now play only doubles on the ATP Tour.
It will not be a surprise if captain Rohit Rajpal asks Bhambri to play the singles. Balaji can also be asked to play one of the singles.
Digvijay Pratap Singh, who made his debut against Morocco in India’s last Davis Cup assignment in Lucknow in September, has been named as a reserve player in the squad.
India’s top players, Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund, have pulled out of the tie, where the winning team will ensure its stay in World Group I for the rest of the 2024 season.
