Coach Rajpal Addresses Absence of Bhambri and Nagal for Davis Cup

Synopsis

India's top-ranked players Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri will miss the Davis Cup 2025 play-off against Togo due to disputes with the All India Tennis Association. Coach Rohit Rajpal expresses hope for their return and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing national representation in sports.

Key Takeaways

Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri unavailable for Davis Cup.
Issues with AITA need to be resolved.
New players are being groomed for future competitions.
Rajpal stresses national pride in sports.
Importance of adapting to Davis Cup pressure.

New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) India will be absent their top-ranked singles and doubles tennis players, Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri, respectively, for the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I play-off against Togo set to take place on February 1-2. The players have opted out due to ongoing disputes with the administrators.

Team India’s captain Rohit Rajpal acknowledged that the players have issues with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and expressed hope for their swift return.

“Yuki and Sumit have represented the nation before. They have some concerns with a few individuals in AITA, which need resolution. We are actively working on this. However, I firmly believe, as my captain Vijay Amritraj instilled in me, that our country should always be prioritized.

“There should be no conditions placed on representing your nation. Regardless of the situation, one must set everything aside and play for the country. This expectation is what I hold for my players, and it is a value that has been passed down through generations. We need to ensure these players return to the team,” Rajpal conveyed to IANS.

The squad for the Davis Cup match against Togo includes five members: Sasikumar Mukund, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Karan Singh, N. Sriram Balaji, and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli. Additionally, Aryah Shah, Chirag Duhan, and Yuvaan Nandal have been incorporated into the squad, providing them with valuable training alongside the Indian team.

Rajpal emphasized the significance of developing young talent while also preparing the team effectively.

“This aspect is crucial for us. We are consciously focusing on this. Many players are shifting towards doubles and are aging, thus we need to nurture the next generation of players. It’s essential as not all talented players are suited for the Davis Cup.

“The pressure in the Davis Cup is distinctly different from competing on the tour. The emerging players like Aryan, Chirag, Yuvan, and Manas represent the future of Indian tennis.

“It is vital for them to practice in a Davis Cup setting, observe from the sidelines, and acclimatize to the unique pressures associated with this tournament. We are currently providing them this exposure to ensure they are prepared for their debut,” he added.