In a historic Davis Cup World Group I play-off, Pakistan is all set to host India, marking their first Davis Cup meeting on home soil in over six decades. The event stands out as one of the rare sporting encounters between the two nations in recent years.
The Indian side, despite missing top singles players, did enter the restricted environment in Islamabad as favourites.
Having never lost to Pakistan in Davis Cup history, India aims to continue its dominance. However, the hosts, led by stars Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan on grass courts, present a formidable challenge.
The choice of grass courts in Islamabad, known for their speed and low bounce, plays to Pakistan's strengths. N Sriram Balaji, a doubles specialist, strategically plays singles on the opening day alongside India's best singles player, Ramkumar Ramanathan.
This move, reminiscent of Leander Paes' successful strategies, aims to exploit the challenges taller players face on grass.
Balaji, despite focusing on doubles in recent years, brings valuable singles experience, having played at the Australian Open.
His readiness for the singles challenge is evident from a week-long camp in New Delhi before arriving in Islamabad. Balaji's selection, over taller option Niki Poonacha, showcases the team's tactical approach.
Ramkumar Ramanathan, known for his serve-and-volley style, finds himself on favorable ground with grass courts. His career-best result, reaching the ATP250 final in Newport, came on similar surfaces.
The opening tie pits him against the experienced Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi, who, despite being 43, remains motivated and looks forward to the challenge.
"Playing against India motivates me. I had a tough 2023, with injuries and a drop in ranking. I am inspired to play this tie. Hopefully, the change will begin with this tie, and more Indian teams will come to Pakistan," expressed Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi, Pakistan's accomplished tennis player.
India's non-playing captain, Zeeshan Ali, anticipates a closely contested tie and refrains from discussing broader political decisions affecting sports competitions between India and Pakistan.
Focused on tennis, the team acknowledges the warm hospitality extended by the hosts in Islamabad.
The Davis Cup draw outlines the schedule as:
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
Meanwhile, despite playing in home conditions, Pakistan will be facing the challenge of limited spectators, with the ITF allowing only 500 guests and fans at Islamabad Sports Complex.
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