The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced that Sumit Nagal will spearhead the Indian tennis team in the upcoming Davis Cup 2024 World Group I tie against Sweden. This pivotal match, slated for September 14-15 at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm, will see Nagal, who currently holds the 74th position in the world rankings, return to the Davis Cup squad after missing the previous tie against Pakistan.
In a significant shake-up, former national champion Ashutosh Singh has been appointed as the new coach of the Indian Davis Cup team. Singh steps in following the departure of long-time coach Zeeshan Ali, bringing fresh strategic insights to the squad. Singh’s appointment marks a new chapter for Indian tennis as the team prepares for a challenging contest on Sweden’s indoor hard courts.
India’s top doubles player, Yuki Bhambri, ranked 48th globally, has opted out of the tie against Sweden, leaving a noticeable gap in the squad. Bhambri’s absence has elevated N Sriram Balaji to the role of India’s top doubles player, currently ranked 69th in the world. The team will also miss the veteran presence of Rohan Bopanna, who recently retired from international duty following his campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ramkumar Ramanathan, another key player in the Indian lineup, brings versatility to the team, with rankings of 324 in singles and 139 in doubles. Ramanathan’s experience and adaptability will be crucial as he may be called upon to play in both singles and doubles events against the Swedes.
AITA’s selection committee, after thorough deliberations, has also included Niki Poonacha and Siddharth Vishwakarma in the squad. Both players, who have shown promise in their recent performances, will be making their Davis Cup debuts. Aryan Shah has been named as the reserve player, rounding out a team that blends experience with youthful energy.
The upcoming tie against Sweden is a crucial encounter for the Indian team, which will need to navigate the challenges of playing on indoor hard courts, a surface that traditionally favors European players. With Sumit Nagal leading the charge, supported by the seasoned Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji, India will aim to overcome these hurdles and secure a vital win in their Davis Cup campaign.
The new coach, Ashutosh Singh, faces the formidable task of integrating the team’s strengths and mitigating the absence of seasoned players like Bhambri and Bopanna. The tie against Sweden will not only test the mettle of the Indian players but also the strategic acumen of their new coach, as the team strives to advance in the prestigious tournament.
