Davis Cup: Strong India set to steamroll depleted Pakistan

A formidable India is expected to demolish challenge of a depleted Pakistan in a Davis Cup tie starting here on Friday after fixture was shifted to a neutral venue following a drama-filled build-up. uncertainty over venue remained till last moment and it only ded up confusion regarding players' selection on both sides. Eventually, International Tennis Federation moved tie to Nur-Sultan after its independent tribunal rejected Pakistan Tennis Federation's review appeal.

While it resolved security concerns, shifting of tie did good to competition. India, with players of caliber of Sumit Nagal, Ramkumar Ramanathan and veteran Leander Paes, was alrey expected to win easy but pulling out of Pakistan top players Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan has me it a -contest. While Indian players have Grand Slam experience behind m, Pakistanis are still struggling to make a mark even at ITF Futures level.  At least, doubles rubber would have been competitive if Pakistan's top players were re but y chose t to play, protesting against shifting of tie.

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It will be a learning experience for Pakistan's junior players, who will le ir country's challenge in tie, winner of which will travel to Croatia in March 2020 for World Group Qualifiers.    tie will offer 46-year-old Paes a chance to furr better his Davis Cup record for most doubles win. He stands on top with 43 wins, which he h achieved last year while playing against China. A 44th win beckons Paes, owner of 18 Grand Slam trophies, as he will be partnering Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, who is set to make his Davis Cup debut.

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left-handed Chennai l will become India's 75th player to play a Davis Cup tie.  In-form Nagal has an opportunity to earn his first Davis Cup win as he has lost both his singles matches so far -- against Spain (2016) and China (2018). Ramkumar, who will go into this tie as number two singles player, can also better his win-loss record. So far he has 7-7 record in eight ties.

Ramkumar will open tie on Friday against Muhamm Shoaib, who has t even won a single match in main draw of an ITF Futures tournament. 17-year-old has t played a single match in entire 2019 season. In second singles, Nagal will take on Huzaifa Abdul Rehman, who did well on junior ITF circuit.  India's n-playing captain Rohit Rajpal said y were looking for a whitewash.

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"Pakistan has young players who seem to be hitting well and free. y are playing against a tough Indian team with thing to loose. I was told that in ir press conference y said y are fighter and will fight till end. We are looking to  whitewash m," Rajpal told PTI.

tie is being played on indoor hard courts due to sub-zero temperature.  

"Thankfully AITA provided us some very heavy jackets considering extreme wear conditions. Our physios are giving players extending sessions. re are improvised drills to t only warm up players, but also cool m down."

On second day of tie on Saturday, Paes and Nedunchezhiyan will take on combination of Shoaib and Huzaifa before reverse singles are played. Even if India take an unassailable 3-0 le, fourth rubber will be played. teams have a choice of t playing inconsequential fifth rubber.  Matches to start at 1:30 pm (IST) on Saturday and at 11:30 am on Saturday.

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