Davis Cup: India Start as Favourites in Historic Clash Against Pakistan Despite Missing Top Players

Islamabad: In a historic Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie, India face Pakistan after a 60-year hiatus. Despite the absence of their top singles players, India enter the historic Davis Cup World Group I play-off against Pakistan as favourites.

India boasts an undefeated record against Pakistan in Davis Cup history, winning all seven encounters. Despite this dominance, the hosts are expected to challenge fiercely, particularly on their preferred grass courts chosen by captain Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. Both Qureshi and Aqeel Khan excel on this surface, offering Pakistan a potential advantage.

The low-bounce, fast courts in Islamabad prompted India to deploy N Sriram Balaji for singles alongside Ramkumar Ramanathan. Balaji, primarily a doubles specialist, was favoured over Niki Poonacha due to his lower height, an asset on such courts. This strategy echoes Leander Paes’ successful tactics against European teams in past Davis Cup ties. Balaji’s recent experience at the Australian Open and training camp further bolstered his readiness.

Ramanathan, known for his aggressive serve-and-volley style, thrives on grass courts, evident in his ATP250 final appearance in Newport. He’ll face 43-year-old Qureshi, who remains confident despite his age.

India’s non-playing captain, Zeeshan Ali, anticipates a close match and avoids commenting on political reasons barring other Indian teams from visiting Pakistan. He emphasizes their focus on the competition and appreciates the warm hospitality received.

Pakistan has nominated Barkatullah and Muzammil Murtaza for doubles against Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni. Doubles pairings can change the morning of the match, potentially seeing Qureshi and Khan join forces if the score is tied after day one.

While home advantage plays a role, spectator limitations imposed by the ITF restrict the crowd to 500, potentially dampening the atmosphere.