India will field a mix of youth and experience when they take on Switzerland in a World Group I indoor tie from Friday, with a place in next year’s Davis Cup Qualifiers at stake.Captain Rohit Rajpal handed a surprise start to Dhakshineswar Suresh, alongside the returning Sumit Nagal, as India seek a strong start on the fast indoor surface. The 6’5’’ Madurai-born player, ranked 626, impressed during the training week with his big serve and flat groundstrokes, convincing Rajpal he was the right choice for second singles. “We are taking decisions based on performance, there is nothing whimsical about it,” Rajpal told PTI. “Dhakshineshwar has a huge serve and it’s a huge weapon in indoor court ties… When he came here, he had nicely shaped up for the tie. I had no hesitation in picking him as our second singles player. His game is ideal for indoor courts.” Dhakshineshwar opens the tie against world No. 155 Jerome Kym, while Nagal, ranked 292, faces Marc Andrea Hüsler (222) in the second singles. Nagal last played Davis Cup in September 2023 against Morocco, where he won both matches.
Dhakshineswar Suresh on Instagram (Screengrab)
India, however, will be without doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri, who is sidelined with a heel injury sustained during his US Open run with Michael Venus. In his place, Rithvik Bollipalli will team up with N Sriram Balaji against Swiss pair Dominic Stricker and Jakub Paul. “It’s just unfortunate that Yuki has to miss out. He had suffered bruises in his heel and that has not healed as yet,” Rajpal confirmed. Switzerland added reigning junior Australian Open champion Henry Bernet to their line-up, strengthening their depth.
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India come into the tie after a 4–0 sweep over Togo, while Switzerland lost 1–3 to Spain in their last outing. Historically, India lead 2–1 in Davis Cup meetings, the last encounter being a 3–2 win in Kolkata in 1993. The winner of this tie will progress to the Davis Cup Qualifiers, with the loser dropping to the World Group I Play-offs.
