Pakistan’s Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi.| Photo Credit: AFP

Aisam ul-Qureshi, Pakistan's most profitable tennis participant, doesn't play singles on the ATP Tour, however when nationwide obligation calls for it, he willingly takes up the accountability, and the Indian staff may need to take care of him on the opening day of the Davis Cup World Group I tie, beginning Saturday.     

The opening day of the tie will characteristic in two singles, and Aisam might play in a type of in opposition to both Ramkumar Ramanathan or N Sriram Balaji, who will most certainly play on Saturday.     

Aisam, 43, had even performed in opposition to Indonesia within the dwelling grass courtroom tie in September 2023. He additionally did the singles obligation in opposition to Lithuania (2022), Japan (2021) and Slovenia (2020).     

"I have always considered myself to play singles, but I don't do it every single time. I am preparing for everything, singles and doubles, and the same goes for everyone in the team. We will see. We have one more day of training," Aisam advised PTI. 

Aisam has 41-22 win-loss report in singles in 48 matches he has performed in 44 nominations.

Former Davis Cup captain Hameed ul Haq additionally reckons that if Aisam and veteran Aqeel Khan play the singles, the tie will not be a lop-sided affair.   

"We have got some good results on grass but the Indian team is also very good on this surface. They know what is required. I feel India have better chances to win this tie but since Pakistan has two very experienced players in Aqeel Khan and Aisam ul haq Qureshi, if they play singles then the contest will be tight," he mentioned.     

For the second consecutive day, persistent drizzle disrupted Pakistan Davis Cup staff's apply session, whereas the Indians had been additionally pressured to remain indoors on Wednesday.     

On Tuesday additionally, when the Indian staff was nearing the tip of its three-hour session, heavens opened up, forcing an early closure of their session.

Aisam mentioned not attending to hit for 2 days in a row, certainly impacts the preparations.      

"Definitely, these things affect the preparations. At the end of the day, these things are not in our control. We need to focus on things we can control and prepare in best way possible. I am sure Indian team's training has also been affected but it is what it is," mentioned world quantity 154 Aisam, who was a top-10 participant in doubles in 2011.     

"Hopefully, the weather will be good on Saturday and Sunday so we can have a wonderful tie, Insha-allah," he added.  Pakistan captain Mohammed Abid remained optimistic and opted wanting on the brighter facet.

"Well, the players are now well rested. The bodies are relaxed now," he mentioned earlier than leaving with Mohammed Shoaib and Barkat Ullah for a health club session.