All eyes will be on India versus Pakistan's Davis Cup 2024 clash as in a big move Indian government gave green signal to it's national team to travel to Pakistan few days back. This landmark decision saw first visit of the Indian tennis team to Pakistan in 60 years. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) had previously requested the International Tennis Federation to move the match to a neutral venue due to security concerns in Pakistan, but this appeal was declined.
The AITA general secretary Anil Dhupar earlier told Sports Tak,"The ministry took the approach that this is the World Cup of tennis hence they gave the go ahead to send the team to Pakistan. Bilateral sporting ties are looked at differently. We could not afford to pull out of the tie because that would invite sanctions and a ban by the international federation that India cannot afford. We have been assured of safety for our players by the International tennis federation and Pakistan authorities."
India's visit to Pakistan after 1964
For the first time since 1964, the Indian Davis Cup team is set to visit Pakistan. In their last encounter, which took place at a neutral venue in 2019, India secured a 4-0 victory over Pakistan.
The Indian tennis team recorded their most notable achievements in the Davis Cup in the years 1966, 1974, and 1987, each time finishing as the tournament's runners-up.
How will the five matches unfold?
In the World Group I playoffs of the Davis Cup, 24 national teams will participate. The victorious 12 teams will advance to World Group I, while the losing teams will be relegated to World Group II. Each Davis Cup tie consists of five matches: four singles and one doubles. The team that secures a minimum of three wins out of these matches will be declared the winner of the tie.
When will India lock horns with Pakistan?
India and Pakistan will take on each other on February 3-4 in Islamabad. The matches will be staged on the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex.
All eyes on India's brigade
Indian team will head into the Islamabad tie without the experienced Rohan Bopanna. Bopanna, aged 43, made his final Davis Cup appearance against Morocco in September, a match India clinched 4-1. Sumit Nagal, currently the top-ranked Indian in the ATP men's singles at world No. 138, will also not be part of the team traveling to Pakistan. With Bopanna and Nagal absent, the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the Asian Games 2023 silver medalists in doubles, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni, to spearhead India's efforts. Yuki Bhambri, who has seen a resurgence in form since his comeback from a lengthy injury hiatus last year, will be part of the team alongside N Sriram Balaji and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha. Digvijay Pratap Singh, initially selected as a reserve, withdrew later, with SD Prajwal Dev being named as his replacement in the squad.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani tennis team, having secured their spot in the World Group I play-off following a 5-0 win over Indonesia, is expected to be captained by Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi, a two-time finalist in the US Open doubles. Zeeshan Ali, the team's coach, will also take on the role of the non-playing captain. Rohit Rajpal, who was initially appointed as captain, will not be able to serve in this capacity due to personal commitments.
India's Davis Cup squad
Zeeshan Ali (captain), Digvijay Pratap Singh (reserve), Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, Saketh Myneni, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha.
Pakistan's Davis Cup squad
Muhammad Abid (captain), Muhammad Shoaib, Aqeel Khan, Aisam Qureshi, Muzammil Murtaza.
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