Davis Cup: Sasi Mukund pulls out of Pakistan tie

Young Sasi Kumar Mukund on Saturday pulled out of upcoming Davis Cup tie against Pakistan due to a foot injury. Mukund, who was named as a reserve member, suffered injury while playing in a tournament in Portugal. "Unfortunately Sasi will t travel with us. He has informed that he sustained injury while playing doubles with compatriot Purav Raja," India's Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali told PTI during team's practice session at DLTA.

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Mukund is w second Indian player to pull out of tie after Rohan Bopanna h withdrawn due to a shoulder injury.

"I can't put my weight down properly due to injury," said Mukund.

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Zeeshan said y wanted N Sriram Balaji to travel to Nur Sultan but getting visa at such short tice won't be possible. Balaji was t named in eight-member squ but he has been with Indian team in training camp to help side prepare since Thursday. Captain Rohit Rajpal, who was busy working out doubles combination during session, rued Mukund's absence.

"It is always good to have different training partners in an away tie. You need that variety in side. It's unfortunate," Rajpal said.

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Taking about doubles combination, Rajpal said y are trying both Saketh Myneni and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to pair with Leander Paes. "We still feel, Aisam and Aqeel may turn up for Pakistan so we are preparing all combinations. If a player like Saketh is re, Leander can dominate from net," he said. "If Jeevan is playing with Leander n probably, it's better Leander takes care of backside of court since Jeevan is quick. So we are trying everything." 

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