'Underdogs' India look to upset Croatia in Davis Cup Qualifiers

A full-strength India, led by Sumit Nagal and Prajnesh Gunneswaran, will take on Croatia in Davis Cup Qualifiers with a realistic chance of upsetting top seeds from Friday. hosts will be led by world number 37 Marin Cilic and 2014 US Open champion is only top-50 singles player in ir ranks. absence of ir best-ranked player Borna Coric (33rd) means that Nagal and Prajnesh can go after ir second singles player Borna Gojo, who is yet to win a match in Davis Cup.

'Underdogs' India look to upset Croatia

Getting two points from Gojo is very much possible for visitors, considering that he is placed 277th in ATP rankings chart, which is below two Indian singles players. Both Nagal (127) and Prajnesh (132) are capable of beating Gojo though y have t competed against him as yet. Prajnesh, who missed last tie because of his marri, mitted that lack of a strong second singles player in rival line-up could work to India's vant.

"We are hoping to come with our A game. We definitely have a better chance (in absence of Borna Coric) and hopefully we can capitalise on that. hard indoor courts suit us," said Prajnesh.

Ramkumar Ramanathan is set to be benched since Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna will most likely play doubles rubber. doubles will be a crucial match in tie, winner of which will qualify for year-end Davis Cup Finals, to be held in vember in Mrid. It could be last tie for 46-year-old Paes who h said that 2020 is his final season as professional. Bidding ieu to Davis Cup on a winning te will be a high point since he is alrey most successful doubles player in history of tournament.

India have t won an away tie against a strong opponent for a long time and it seems to be ir best chance. y lost to Serbia (2018) and Cana (2017), missing out on World Group qualification.

"We certainly have a chance in this tie. If we get one singles in bag on Friday, anything can happen. But it's difficult to swing back if we are lose 0-2 on first day," India's n-playing captain Rohit Rajpal told PTI.

" Croatians are t taking us lightly. y have been watching our sessions. y are big boys, have been around. courts are medium-paced with low bounce, which suits us," he ded.

"We have been told that it's a new facility. Croatian team is very popular since y have been champions. locals will throng stium, cheering for m. We are going as underdogs and I like it like that way," he said.

last time two sides competed against each or, India won 3-2 in New Delhi in 1995 on grass courts.