India shall be with out their prime 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 setting as a result of safety considerations. India have by no means misplaced to Pakistan in Davis Cup historical past, profitable all seven ties to date, and the development is more likely to proceed. However, the hosts are anticipated to place up combat by their greatest stars, Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, after selecting to play on grass courts. If Pakistan stood an opportunity towards India, it needed to be on the grass courts as a result of each Aisam and Aqeel are great 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 greatest singles participant, Ramkumar Ramanathan.

India had an possibility within the type of Niki Poonacha however he’s taller than Balaji, and on low-bounce grass courts, taller gamers wrestle extra as they should go down so much to select up balls, and that might disturb the rhythm of a participant.

This technique was efficiently utilized by the long-lasting Leander Paes to torment the Europeans, who would come to India to compete in Davis Cup.

Also, Balaji has the expertise of taking part in at degree and that may give him the arrogance to deal with the stress of taking part in towards 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 ultimate in Newport additionally got here on grass courts.

Ramkumar will open the tie for India with a conflict towards 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 start with this tie, and hopefully, extra Indian groups will come to Pakistan, and I’m glad it’s starting with tennis,” said the country’s most accomplished tennis player.

India’s non-playing captain Zeeshan Ali felt that it will be a close tie and refused to engage in discussion on why the Indian cricket team or other Indian athletes do not travel to Pakistan for competition.

“We are right here to play tennis. Certain choices are taken by the federal government and we now have no function in that. We have come ready, and we now have a job to do,” he stated and likewise acknowledged the nice and cozy hospitality the host has provided 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 could play the doubles as properly, as they’ve performed up to now.

Pakistan are taking part in in dwelling situations however not many dwelling followers shall be there to cheers them as ITF has allaowd solely 500 company and followers to look at the motion unfold at Islamabad Sports Complex.