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IMAGE: Sumit Nagal has refused to journey to Pakistan for the upcoming Davis Cup tie. {Photograph}: Antonio Bronic/Reuters
India’s high two singles gamers Sumit Nagal and Sasi Kumar Mukund have conveyed to the nationwide tennis federation that they will not journey to Pakistan for the subsequent Davis Cup tie and the baffled AITA has determined to debate the gamers’ refusal at its subsequent Government Committee assembly.
Nagal is India’s best-ranked singles participant at quantity 141 within the ATP chart and Mukund is second-best at quantity 477.
The 2 gamers have conveyed their unavailability for the World Group I play-off tie to be performed in February however haven’t specified the explanation behind their choice.
The PTI has learnt that Nagal didn’t need to play as a result of the tie can be held on grass courts, a floor that doesn’t go well with his sport fashion. Mukund has opted out of the matches due to “private causes”.
“Nagal had conveyed to the workforce administration lengthy again that he shouldn’t be thought of for the tie in opposition to Pakistan as a result of grass court docket shouldn’t be his most well-liked floor,” stated an AITA supply.
Within the present state of affairs, India’s problem can be led by Ramkumar Ramanathan, who together with his ‘serve and volley’ fashion is best-suited participant for the tie, the winner of which is able to keep in World Group I for the 12 months 2024.
The following most suitable option for India can be Digvijay Pratap Singh, who had made his Davis Cup debut in opposition to Morocco in September this 12 months.
Rohan Bopanna has already retired and India, with out its high singles participant Nagal won’t be overwhelming favorite within the tie even supposing Pakistan’s tennis is being carried by previous and ageing horses Aqeel Khan and Aisam ul haq Quereshi.
AITA UNHAPPY WITH PLAYERS DECISION
All India Tennis Affiliation (AITA) Secretary Common reminded that the gamers shouldn’t suppose twice in relation to nationwide responsibility.
“That is mistaken. When it is a query of serving the nation why would you not do it ? I’ve put the matter within the fingers of the Government Committee,” Dhupar advised PTI.
“There isn’t a selection for gamers in the event that they need to characterize India. My principle is easy. However I’m no person to take a name. The decision needs to be taken by the Government Committee. If the participant is sick and injured, I can perceive however this isn’t the primary time that Mukund has made himself unavailable for nationwide responsibility. He has achieved it twice,” he added.
“Let the directors of the nation resolve what’s greatest for India.” he stated indicating that the AITA might give you a Davis Cup choice coverage.
Not too long ago when Nagal had shared his monetary struggles in an interview with PTI, he had acquired assist from many quarters.
The corporates got here ahead and even DLTA launched Rs 5 lakh help to him.
India skipper Rohit Rajpal was even making an attempt to get Nagal included within the TOPS and it stays to be seen if his refusal to play for India impacts that.
INDIA STILL TRYING TO GET TIE SHIFTED
India had drawn Pakistan again in 2019 additionally however as a result of “safety considerations” the Asia/Oceania Group I tie was shifted to Kazakhstan, a impartial venue.
As a mark of protest, Pakistan’s high gamers Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan had opted to not play the tie through which rookies Mohammed Shoaib, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Yousaf Khalil competed for them.
India have made an effort this time once more however the Davis Cup Committee has already rejected AITA’s attraction.
“The Davis Cup Committee had rejected our proposal and we’ve got now appealed in opposition to the choice to the tribunal. If we’ve got to go to Pakistan, then we’ll go and can put together nicely for the tie,” Dhupar added.
Pakistan is eager to host the Indian workforce for the tie and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has already stated that it will not area a workforce if the competition is shifted this time.
Pakistan gamers are additionally eager to compete on the house soil in opposition to India.
“They need to come to Pakistan. It isn’t truthful that they don’t come to Pakistan. The Indian workforce is significantly better than us. We’ve a good looking lodge simply throughout the stadium. If Indians come, it should ship message that we’re good neighbours,” PTF President Salim Saifullah Khan had advised PTI after the draw.
If India resolve to journey, it will likely be the Davis Cup workforce’s first go to throughout the border in 59 years, and solely third within the historical past of the workforce event.
The final time an Indian Davis Cup workforce travelled to Pakistan was in 1964 when the guests blanked the hosts 4-0.
Ramanathan Krishan had led the primary workforce from India, which travelled to Pakistan in 1962.
Pakistan have visited India thrice. India have by no means misplaced to them in eight Davis Cup ties between the 2 international locations.
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