India will probably be with out their high singles gamers however the guests, who’ve come to Pakistan after 60 years, will nonetheless begin as favourites within the historic Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie, which is being performed inside a restrictive surroundings because of safety considerations.
India has by no means misplaced to Pakistan in Davis Cup historical past, successful all seven ties thus far, and the development is prone to proceed.
However, the hosts are anticipated to place up struggle via their largest stars, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, after selecting to play on grass courts.
If Pakistan stood an opportunity in opposition to India, it needed to be on the grass courts as a result of each Aisam and Aqeel are super fighters, and this floor brings the very best out of them.
The courts in Islamabad are quick with low bounce, and it made sense that N Sriram Balaji, who’s a doubles specialist, has been requested to play singles on the opening day together with the group’s finest singles participant, Ramkumar Ramanathan.
India had an choice within the type of Niki Poonacha however he’s taller than Balaji, and on low-bounce grass courts, taller gamers battle extra as they need to go down loads to select up balls, and that might disturb the rhythm of a participant.
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This technique was efficiently utilized by the enduring Leander Paes to torment the Europeans, who would come to India to compete within the Davis Cup.
Also, Balaji has the expertise of taking part in at degree and that can give him the boldness to deal with the stress of taking part in in opposition to Pakistan on their dwelling soil.
He lately performed on the Australian Open and the one-week camp in New Delhi, earlier than arriving in Islamabad, would have additionally made him sharper and prepared for the singles problem.
“I have shifted to doubles in the last couple of years but that does not mean I am totally away from singles. I am practising singles whenever I can. When I get the opportunity to play Challengers I do play, so I am really excited to play against Pakistan,” he stated.
Ramkumar is one participant within the present era of Indian gamers who likes to serve and volley, and taking part in on grass is his energy too. His career-best results of making the ATP250 remaining in Newport additionally got here on grass courts.
Ramkumar will open the tie for India with a conflict in opposition to 43-year-old Aisam, who stated he’s “younger at heart.” “All of you are reminding me of my age but I am young at heart,” he joked on the draw ceremony.
“Playing against India motivates me. I had a tough 2023, I had injuries and my ranking also dropped. I am inspired to play this tie.
“Hopefully, the change will begin with this tie, and hopefully, more Indian teams will come to Pakistan, and I am glad it is beginning with tennis,” stated the nation’s most completed tennis participant.
India’s non-playing captain Zeeshan Ali felt that it will be an in depth tie and refused to have interaction in dialogue on why the Indian cricket group or different Indian athletes don’t journey to Pakistan for competitors.
“We are here to play tennis. Certain decisions are taken by the government and we have no role in that. We have come prepared, and we have a job to do,” he stated and in addition acknowledged the nice and cozy hospitality the host has supplied to the Indian group.
Pakistan have nominated Barkatullah and Muzammil Murtaza to tackle Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni within the doubles.
Teams can change nominations on the morning of the match. If It’s 1-1 on day one, Aisam and Aqeel might play the doubles as effectively, as they’ve achieved prior to now.
Pakistan is taking part in in dwelling circumstances, however not many dwelling followers will probably be there to cheer them as ITF has allowed solely 500 friends and followers to look at the motion unfold at Islamabad Sports Complex.
Draw February 3: 1st singles: Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Aisam ul Haq Qureshi 2nd singles: Aqeel Khan vs Sriram Balaji February 4: Doubles: Barkatullah/Muzammil Murtaza vs Yuki Bhambri/Saketh Myneni 1st reverse singles: Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Aqeel Khan 2nd singles: Aisam ul Haq Qureshi vs Sriram Balaji.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com