Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) As the Indian team gears up for their Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 clash against the Netherlands on February 7-8, they are undergoing intense training at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, under the guidance of captain Rohit Rajpal.

Karan Singh and Rithvik Bollipalli commenced their training sessions on Thursday evening, while Sumit Nagal, Dhakshineswar Suresh, and Yuki Bhambri are set to rejoin the squad today as preparations heat up for this crucial home match.

Currently ranked No. 33 in the Davis Cup nations standings, India will face a formidable Dutch team, ranked No. 6 globally and the runner-up in the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. However, the Indian team can draw inspiration from their past success, having upset the Netherlands in Jaipur back in February 1996, where Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi orchestrated a stunning comeback after trailing 1–2.

Rajpal, who has captained India in the Davis Cup since 2019, is focused on replicating that success against the Dutch. He stated, “If we perform as we did in Switzerland, with all players reaching their peak at the right moment, I believe we can progress through this tie. Since my appointment as captain, we have prioritized early preparation and team readiness. The strategy involves starting with two intense training sessions daily and gradually tapering down the intensity to ensure everyone peaks optimally for the competition.”

Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi also expressed his support for the national team, remarking, “I wish the team the best of luck as they approach the Davis Cup tie. I have fond memories of competing against the Dutch, especially our victory in Jaipur in 1996. This illustrates that anything can happen in the Davis Cup. The players must maintain their confidence and fight fiercely.”

The Indian team enters this match following a strong performance in September 2025, where they triumphed over Switzerland 3–1 in Biel during the World Group I tie, boosting their confidence further.

“In 2024, the Netherlands reached the finals. Any team making it to the final stages and vying for a place in the top 16 globally is a tough opponent. We are preparing for a challenging tie. We hope for a packed stadium cheering us on, motivating the players to rise to the occasion. That’s what a home tie embodies,” Rajpal concluded.

With the overall score tied at 2-2, the upcoming match is set to be more than just another draw. Throughout the week, the Indian team will engage in intensive practice sessions, building momentum ahead of the Davis Cup Qualifiers.