Sumit Nagal returns to Davis Cup team for Sweden tie, Yuki Bhambri opts out

New Delhi, August 16

India’s top singles player Sumit Nagal today returned to the Davis Cup team for the World Group I tie against Sweden but Yuki Bhambri has opted out of the September 14-15 contest, in which former national champion Ashutosh Singh will serve as the new coach of the national team.

Nagal had missed the historic tie against Pakistan in Islamabad on grasscourt but the in-form player is back to lead the national team for the indoor hardcourt contest in Stockholm.

Sasikumar Mukund, who is the third-highest ranked player at No. 476, was not considered for selection as he is serving a two-tie suspension for his refusal to play the Pakistan tie early this year.

Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, Niki Poonacha, who made his debut against Pakistan, and former national champion Siddharth Vishwakarma are also part of the squad. Aryan Shah has been named as the reserve player.

Yuki is the No. 1 doubles player for India in Davis Cup now that Rohan Bopanna has retired. Since Yuki is not available, Ramkumar may be asked to play both singles and doubles.

“Yuki was not available for selection and he has not given any reason for his non-availability,” selection committee chairman Nandan Bal said.

An AITA source said Yuki was not happy that he was not picked for the Paris Olympics. “It was Rohan’s decision to play with Balaji. AITA just endorsed that decision. He was a top-10 player and has the privilege to pick his partner, AITA can’t be blamed for that,” said the source. — PTI