New Delhi: India's top tennis players, Sumit Nagal and Sasi Kumar Mukund, have informed the national tennis federation of their decision to abstain from travelling to Pakistan for the forthcoming Davis Cup tie.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) expressed bewilderment at the players' refusal, planning to address this issue during its upcoming Executive Committee meeting.
Nagal holds the top spot among India's singles players, ranking 141st in the ATP chart, while Mukund secures the second-best spot at number 477.
Although the two players conveyed their unavailability for the World Group I play-off tie scheduled for February, they did not provide specific reasons for their decision.
An AITA source disclosed Nagal's reluctance to participate, citing his disfavour for grass courts, which don't align with his gameplay. Meanwhile, Mukund opted out due to undisclosed "personal reasons."
Consequently, India's representation will rely primarily on Ramkumar Ramanathan, recognised for his 'serve and volley' style, ideally suited for the tie. The winner will secure a spot in World Group I for 2024.
Digvijay Pratap Singh, who debuted in the Davis Cup against Morocco in September this year, stands as the next viable option for India's team.
In response to the players' decision, AITA Secretary General voiced disappointment, emphasising the significance of national duty and urging players to prioritise it over personal choices. He underscored that players must recognise the responsibility of representing India.
AITA intends to deliberate on the matter, highlighting Mukund's repeated unavailability for national duties in the past. However, the Secretary-General emphasised that the Executive Committee would decide the course of action, hinting at a potential Davis Cup selection policy.
The Davis Cup tie against Pakistan in 2019 was initially scheduled, but due to "security concerns," it was relocated to Kazakhstan, a neutral venue. Despite AITA's efforts, the Davis Cup Committee recently declined their plea, prompting an appeal to the tribunal.
Should India decide to travel, it would mark the team's first visit to Pakistan in 59 years and only the third in the history of the Davis Cup. Pakistan has visited India thrice, with India maintaining a clean record of wins in eight Davis Cup encounters between the two countries.