Daijiworld Media Network – Biel

Biel, Sep 11: India have sprung a surprise by fielding young Dhakshineswar Suresh alongside comeback man Sumit Nagal for the World Group I Davis Cup tie against hosts Switzerland, starting Friday in Biel.

Non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal said the 6’5” Madurai-born Dhakshineswar’s big serve and flat hitting make him ideal for indoor conditions. “We are taking decisions based on performance. His game is perfect for these courts, and he has been shaping up well,” Rajpal said, after convincing Dhakshineswar’s US-based coaches to release him for the tie.

Nagal, returning after a year-long Davis Cup absence, will spearhead the singles campaign despite slipping to rank 292. India will, however, miss doubles ace Yuki Bhambri, sidelined with a heel injury. N Sriram Balaji will partner Rothvik Bollipalli, while Aryan Shah has been nominated for the third singles.

Switzerland’s squad is led by Jerome Kym (ranked 155), Marc Andrea Hüsler (222) and Dominic Stricker (244), with junior Australian Open champion Henry Bernet also drafted in.

India, coming off a 4–0 win over Togo, lead Switzerland 2–1 in Davis Cup history, last beating them in Kolkata in 1993. The winner of the tie will advance to next year’s Davis Cup Qualifiers, while the loser will head to the World Group I Play-offs.