Ramkumar Ramanathan and Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi forward of their Davis Cup match, at Islamabad Sports Complex, on February 6, 2024.| Photo Credit: PTI

India will probably be with out their prime singles gamers however the guests, who've come to Pakistan after 60 years, will still start as favourites in the historic Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie, which is being performed inside a restricted setting attributable to safety issues.

India have never lost to Pakistan in Davis Cup history, successful all seven ties to date, and the development is more likely to proceed.

However, the hosts are anticipated to place up a great battle by means of their largest stars, Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, after selecting to play on grass courts.

If Pakistan stood an opportunity towards India, it needed to be on the grass courts as a result of each Aisam and Aqeel are large fighters, and this floor brings the perfect out of them.

The courts in Islamabad are quick with low bounce, and it made sense that N Sriram Balaji, who's a doubles specialist, has been requested to play singles on the opening day together with the group's greatest singles participant, Ramkumar Ramanathan.

India had an choice within the type of Niki Poonacha however he's taller than Balaji, and on low-bounce grass courts, taller gamers battle extra as they should go down rather a lot to choose up balls, and that would disturb the rhythm of a participant.

This technique was efficiently utilized by the long-lasting Leander Paes to torment the Europeans, who would come to India to compete in Davis Cup.

Ramkumar Ramanathan, Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and different gamers forward of their Davis Cup match, at Islamabad Sports Complex, on February 2, 2024.| Photo Credit:PTI

Also, Balaji has the expertise of taking part in at a great stage and that may give him the boldness to deal with the strain of taking part in towards Pakistan on their dwelling soil.

He just lately performed on the Australian Open and the one-week camp in New Delhi, earlier than arriving in Islamabad, would have additionally made him sharper and prepared for the singles problem.

"I have shifted to doubles in the last couple of years but that does not mean I am totally away from singles. I am practising singles whenever I can. When I get the opportunity to play Challengers I do play, so I am really excited to play against Pakistan," he stated.

Ramkumar is one participant within the present era of Indian gamers who likes to serve and volley, and taking part in on grass is his energy too. His career-best results of making the ATP250 last in Newport additionally got here on grass courts.

Ramkumar will open the tie for India with a conflict towards 43-year-old Aisam, who stated he's "younger at heart." "All of you are reminding me of my age but I am young at heart," he joked on the draw ceremony.

"Playing against India motivates me. I had a tough 2023, I had injuries and my ranking also dropped. I am inspired to play this tie.

"Hopefully, the change will start with this tie, and hopefully, extra Indian groups will come to Pakistan, and I'm glad it's starting with tennis," said the country's most accomplished tennis player.

India's non-playing captain Zeeshan Ali felt that it will be a close tie and refused to engage in discussion on why the Indian cricket team or other Indian athletes do not travel to Pakistan for competition.

"We are right here to play tennis. Certain choices are taken by the federal government and now we have no function in that. We have come ready, and now we have a job to do," he said and also acknowledged the warm hospitality the host has offered to the Indian team.

Pakistan have nominated Barkatullah and Muzammil Murtaza to take on Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni in the doubles.

Teams can change nominations on the morning of the match. If It's 1-1 on day one, Aisam and Aqeel may play the doubles as well, as they have done in the past.

Pakistan are playing in home conditions but not many home fans will be there to cheers them as ITF has allaowd only 500 guests and fans to watch the action unfold at Islamabad Sports Complex.

Draw:

February 3: 1st singles: Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Aisam ul haq Qureshi 2nd singles :Aqeel Khan vs Sriram Balaji February 4: Doubles: Barkatullah/Muzammil Murtaza vs Yuki Bhambri/Saketh Myneni

1st reverse singles: Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Aqeel Khan 2nd singles: Aisam ul haq Qureshi vs Sriram Balaji.