Patiala, 29 December (sports Desk)
Sumit Nagal, India’s highest-ranked singles player in tennis (world No. 98), will be absent from the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I play-off tie against Togo, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 1-2.
This marks Nagal’s third consecutive absence from Davis Cup duty. He previously missed India’s ties against Pakistan and Sweden in 2024. He cited a back strain for withdrawing from the Sweden tie in September and stated that the grass courts in Islamabad were unsuitable for his playing style for the Pakistan tie earlier in the year. According to PTI, captain Rohit Rajpal attempted to contact Nagal regarding his availability for the Togo tie, but received no response.
Yuki Bhambri, India’s top-ranked doubles player (world No. 48), has also declared himself unavailable.
However, Sasikumar Mukund is set to return to the national team after his suspension by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) was lifted. Mukund, ranked 368th globally, will be the highest-ranked singles player in the five-member Indian squad.
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Ramkumar Ramanathan (world No. 393) and Karan Singh (world No. 473) complete the singles lineup. With Bhambri’s absence, N Sriram Balaji (world No. 65 in doubles) will lead India’s doubles challenge, likely partnering with Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli (world No. 72 in doubles), who has received his first national team call-up.
Two reserve players will be added to the squad following a training camp featuring Aryan Shah, Manas Dhamne, Dakshineshwar Suresh, and Yuvan Nandal.
Indian Davis Cup 2025 Team for Togo Tie:
- Players: Mukund Sasikumar, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Karan Singh, N Sriram Balaji, Rithvik Bollipalli
- Captain: Rohit Rajpal
- Coach: Ashutosh Singh
