Bopanna, Gunneswaran selected for India’s Davis Cup tie against Pakistan

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has named India’s squad for the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Pakistan, scheduled to be played in Islamabad on 14th-15th September.

The selection committee has included the country’s best-ranked players, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Ramkumar Ramanathan, to headline the team.

India has also named veterans Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan in its roster as well. Saketh Myneni will be completing this Indian squad after Sumit Nagal ruled himself out due to injury.

Pakistan has named some of its best players as well, with the likes of Ahmed Choudhary and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, although none of its squad members rank in the top 1300 globally for the Men’s Singles category.

Qureshi could now be on the other side of the net to his former doubles partner Rohan Bopanna.

55-year-long wait

India will be touring its neighbouring nation for a Davis Cup tie for the first time in 55 years, with the last tour happening back in 1964.

The last Davis Cup tie between the two nations, however, was held in 2006, when India won 3-2 in Mumbai. It was Olympic bronze medallist Leander Paes who captured the decisive rubber 13 years ago.

"With India and Pakistan, something keeps happening daily. There are still five weeks to go for the tie. The players were a bit concerned a few days back. But once those issues were cleared it has been fine. I am very happy that we have been able to choose a full-strength team," India's Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali said.