Top players return for Pak tie

New Delhi, November 14 

India today picked an unprecedented eight-member Davis Cup squad for the tie against Pakistan, including most of the top stars who had refused to travel to Islamabad along with those who made themselves available irrespective of the venue. Veteran Leander Paes returned to the Indian team after more than a year along with top players Sumit Nagal, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Sasi Kumar Mukund and Rohan Bopanna for the tie to be held at a yet-to-be-finalised neutral venue on November 29-30.

Nagal, Bopanna, Ramanathan and Mukund had reservations about travelling to Pakistan due to security concerns, the basis of the International Tennis Federation’s ( ITF) decision to change the venue.

“It’s a special case this time. We do not pick such a big travel party but we did not want the players who were ready to go Pakistan to feel left out. So we had to create a balance,” Zeeshan Ali, who is on the selection panel and is also the India coach, said.

In the squad announced by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) selection committee, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, Saketh Myneni and Siddharth Rawat also found a place. All these players were willing travel to Islamabad when the others had refused. AITA usually names five-member main squads along with one or two reserve players.

While ITF is still considering the Pakistan Tennis Federation’s appeal against the decision to shift the tie out of Islamabad, AITA has gone ahead with the team selection. “We wanted the players to be mentally ready. They can make their schedules now. Irrespective of the venue, only these players will be a part of the tie, wherever it is played,” said non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal. — PTI

Prajnesh out; Nagal, Ramkumar in quarters

Pune: India’s top singles player Prajnesh Gunnewaran bowed out of the KPIT-MSLTA Challenger but Sumit Nagal and Ramkumar Ramanathan set up an all-Indian quarterfinal clash. Also moving to the quarterfinals was Sasi Kumar Mukund. Top seed Gunnewaran lost 6-4 5-7 6-3 to Dutch 14th seed Tim Van Rijthoven. Sixth seed Ramkumar overcame Turkey’s 12th seed Cem Ilkel 6-3 6-4. Mukund demolished Turkish Ergi Kirkin 6-0 6-2. pti