With An Eye On The Future...! Sriram Balaji Dropped For Davis Cup Encounter Against...

The AITA selection committee on Tuesday decided to drop N Sriram Balaji from the upcoming Davis Cup against the Netherlands, while the other selections were as expected, for the first-round Qualifiers tie, which will be held in Bengaluru on February 7 and 8.

India’s singles challenge will be led by Sumit Nagal, with the squad also including doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri, along with Dhakshineswar Suresh and Karan Singh.

Seasoned doubles player Balaji has been left out of the squad as the selection committee opted to focus on a longer-term plan. India captain Rohit Rajpal explained he decision stating that the selectors wanted to invest in younger players.

“The selection committee felt it was time to look ahead. Sriram Balaji has been a very good servant for Indian tennis, but it was felt that he has become a bit soft and we need to groom players who can take the team forward," Rajpal said and Yuki is expected to play with Rithvik Bollipalli.

The reserve players named for the tie are Aryan Shah, left-handed Aniruddh Chandrashekhar, and Digvijay Singh. Local player Prajwal Dev and young prospect Arnav Paparkar will also be called to the training camp as practice partners.

Squad :

Sumit Nagal, Dhakshineswar Suresh, Karan Singh, Yuki Bhambri and Rithvik Bollipalli.

Reserves:

Aryan Shah, Anirudh Chandrashekhar and Digvijay Singh.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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