Weakened by the non-availability of a few top players, India’s Davis Cup squad is up against Sweden in the World Group I tie.
A young squad complemented by a set of experienced players, the Indian team is relying on doubles specialist N Sriram Balaji to play singles alongside Ramkumar Ramanathan.
Though Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund are not on the side, the team will be looking to upset the hosts at Stockholm.
India’s captain Rohit Rajpal, for his part, has been forced to experiment by fielding a new-look team that carries a few teenagers and some players who are far worse than the top 500 in singles even.
The pressure will be on Balaji and Ramkumar to win against Sweden’s best players, led by Elias Ymer, who is ranked a few notches above 100 in the world, and Leo Borg, son of tennis legend Bjorn Borg.
With India’s key players absent, Balaji steps up for singles.
image source : Image Credit: India Today
India will be without its top singles players, Sumit Nagal, Sasikumar Mukund, and doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri.
“Balaji, a doubles player, steps in for singles duties alongside Ramkumar,” – Team Source.
India Davis Cup team will miss its top singles players, Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund, besides key doubles player Yuki Bhambri for the tie.
In their absence, the team is extraordinarily different than the usual lineup. Age has forced India to enlist N Sriram Balaji, a doubles specialist, for singles rubber in the absence of those with strong skill sets.
While Balaji, 34, has been picked for the singles rubbers to be played on Saturday with Ramkumar Ramanathan.
While Balaji is more recognized for his doubles prowess, he has to adjust soon to the singles format to keep India in the hunt.
He was in a similar situation earlier this year during India’s Davis Cup tie against Pakistan where he played singles along with Ramkumar.
However, it must be noted that Pakistan was using far more aged players in that match. Hence, the competition mattered less across all boards.
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Young Talent & Inexperience in the Indian Squad
Indian Squad’s Focus
- N Sriram Balaji: Stepping in for singles.
- Ramkumar Ramanathan: Veteran in Davis Cup ties.
- Aryan Shah & Manas Dhamne: Promising young players.
Amongst the Indian Davis Cup squad, there are several who are still young and inexperienced in terms of the Davis Cup.
In their absence, India has named two teenagers — 18-year-old Aryan Shah and 16-year-old Manas Dhamne — as reserves and replacements.
Neither player has previous experience of playing at this level but the exposure they receive will be invaluable to their progression.
Spadea, who will face Vishal Uppal and Sandeep Kirtanne in a Round Robin format to decide the third place, said, “Good game. In fact my first match was against him, which I lost.”
Dhamne, one of India’s promising young tennis players, had an indifferent season this year on the ITF and ATP Challenger circuits.
Even his selection in the Davis Cup squad parachuted him as the man to bolster India’s future, although he is still very much a WIP.
Shah, meanwhile, has only recently made the move from the junior ranks to the senior ITF tour and even took down an M15 title this year.
Even if neither plays in the opening singles, both will leave more well-equipped for future Cup competition.
Coach’s Perspective:
“Our young players need exposure and experience, but we trust our seasoned players to carry the load,” – India Captain Rohit Rajpal.
Rohit Rajpal will pin his hopes on Balaji and Ramkumar for the two crucial singles rubbers come Saturday.
Balaji will play the top-ranked player from Sweden, Elias Ymer, while Ramkumar will go toe-to-toe with 21-year-old Leo Borg.
Borg Junior, son of Bjorn Borg, played a couple of Challenger events in India last season along with his legendary father.
Ramkumar, a Davis Cup veteran, will have to draw on his experience to navigate through the crucial ties.
That said, it will be no easy feat as Ymer and Borg are both tough opponents who could benefit from the indoor surface on offer for this tie.
In order to challenge Ymer, Balaji will have to adjust his gameplay quickly, as he is primarily a doubles player.
The Indian duo will have a challenge on hand when they play their Davis Cup doubles.
If either Balaji or Ramkumar falters on Saturday, India can fall back to Poonacha paired with whoever has not played the singles.
Poonacha has performed well in doubles and could combine with either Balaji or Ramkumar to take on Sweden’s doubles pair of world No.66 Andre Goransson and Filip Bergevi.
India’s hopes of making it to the next stage will largely depend on Singles matches between Balaji having to be at his best, with addition of Ramkumar.
Estudiantes are aware that their lack of experience could make life tough in this tie. However, if the senior players do well and the youngsters also rise to the occasion, India could spring a surprise and extend their stay in the Davis Cup.
Just like in their previous comeback, India’s fate will depend on a singles metal as they try to play against odds and strike it big in the absence of their spearhead.
FAQs
- Who are India’s top players for the Davis Cup?
N Sriram Balaji and Ramkumar Ramanathan. - Which players are missing for India?
Sumit Nagal, Sasikumar Mukund, and Yuki Bhambri.
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References:
HindustanTimes.com
IndiaToday.com
