Up against a strong Swiss team, India could spring a surprise at the draw, by nominating the towering Suresh Dhakshineswar on Thursday for the Davis Cup World Group-1 tie to be played on the indoor hard courts in Biel, on September 12 and 13.
Captain of the Indian team, Rohit Rajpal, said that the team had been preparing Dhakshineswar well and been in touch with his coach in the USA. India also ensured his visa to help him reach Switzerland.
“Dhakshineswar is here and looking quite good. He can be a good second singles backup, and we can nominate him,” said Rohit on Wednesday, after a training session.
The captain was happy with the way the India No.1 Sumit Nagal was preparing in the indoor conditions on a relatively new centre court, which is on the slower side.
“We had been practising at an indoor venue 50 kilometres away after we arrived here. We got to play on the match court yesterday. It is slow with a good bounce,” said Rohit.
The captain also said that there was some worry about Yuki Bhambri, the US Open doubles semifinalist, as he was recovering from a heel injury.
“We will see tomorrow whether Yuki can play, before we have the draw ceremony at 12 noon. If he can’t play, we have to look at other options,” he said.
He also pointed out that for the doubles, he had time till Saturday to make the change, if necessary.
Even though the Swiss team — strengthened with the inclusion of the Australian Open junior champion, Henry Bernet, who has already won two men’s singles titles this season — may look pretty strong, Rohit said that it would be a 50-50 chance between the two teams, in both singles and doubles.
“It all depends on how well we play on the day,” said Rohit, assuring that the team would put in the best effort.
Published on Sep 10, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com