India’s top tennis players, Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri, make a much-anticipated return to the national fold as the All India Tennis Association (AITA) unveils its eight-member squad for the upcoming Davis Cup World Group I tie against Switzerland.
Scheduled for September 12, the tie will be played on fast indoor courts in Biel.
Nagal, who last featured in India’s dominant 4-1 win over Morocco in September 2023, is joined by singles players Karan Singh and Aryan Shah. Bhambri, ranked 35 in doubles, returns alongside N Sriram Balaji, both bringing vital experience to the doubles lineup.
The reserves include rising talents Dakshineshwar Suresh, Sasikumar Mukund, and Rithvik Bollipalli. Skipper Rohit Rajpal emphasised adaptability and form in team selection, noting that indoor conditions could favour aggressive players like Suresh with his big serve.
India has a favourable head-to-head record against Switzerland, winning two of their three past encounters, including a memorable 3-2 win in Calcutta back in 1993. However, Switzerland’s current lineup—led by Jerome Kym, Stan Wawrinka, and Dominic Stricker—promises a tough challenge.
The outcome of this tie will determine India’s path in next year’s tournament, with a win ensuring qualification to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers.
