Bengaluru, Feb 6 (.) India’s Davis Cup team made a calculated call on Friday by selecting N Sriram Balaji for the doubles instead of Ritvik Choudhary, citing recent form and match readiness as the decisive factors ahead of the Qualifiers’ First Round tie against the Netherlands at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.
Captain Rohit Rajpal explained that the move was designed to ensure players were fully prepared for high-pressure matches. “We got here early and we’ve been playing a lot of sets and had proper practice sessions. Balaji has been playing tournaments back-to-back and has just come off a very good result in Bahrain. Ritvik hasn’t played actively in tournaments for the last one and a half to two months. It was a difficult decision, but we felt it would be better not to put him straight into a tough, high-pressure doubles match and instead give him more time to gradually come back,” he said during a media interaction.
The selection immediately became the centre of discussion among fans and experts. Rajpal stressed that all choices were made keeping immediate match requirements in mind rather than reputation or long-term considerations.
Top singles player Sumit Nagal highlighted that India’s players had sufficient preparation time to adapt to Bengaluru’s conditions. “Personally, I would say around three to four days. If I’m playing at a very high-altitude place, I like to arrive at least three to four days before the tournament. It’s mostly about hitting balls, spending time on court and getting a feel of how the ball travels,” he said, noting that repeated appearances in the city had made the transition seamless.
Nagal also emphasised the importance of experience in team events. “Playing in team environments has always helped me. I’ve played in college, WPL, and with the Indian team. Playing for India in Switzerland for the first time was an unreal experience. This is my second time playing in front of the home fans, so it’s a really big honour. I’m quite comfortable with the team chemistry on and off the court, and we’re excited to compete,” he said.
Doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri underlined that the team’s familiarity with each other and training together on the Challenger Tour was an added advantage. “We understand each other’s games well, and that familiarity helps when playing as a team. Personally, it’s a great experience to be back competing again,” he said.
Balaji himself spoke about the value of being match-fit and the role of the home crowd. “Home advantage is huge, especially in tennis. When you’re on court for three or four hours, having people cheering for you makes a huge difference. Playing at home, in familiar conditions, with the food, city and country you like, gives you that extra comfort and push,” he said, adding that the Netherlands team would likely feel the pressure of playing away.
Bhambri added that years of experience playing in Bengaluru gave India an edge. “We’ve all been playing here since we were 14 or 15. That familiarity, along with the support of the home crowd, gives you that extra edge and can help push you over the line in close matches,” he said.
Officials noted that crowd energy could be a decisive factor in the Davis Cup’s home-and-away format. “Good players learn to channel the energy of the crowd, whether it’s for them or against them, to their advantage,” an official said, adding that professionalism and experience help players adapt to different situations.
Young squad member Karan described being part of the team as a valuable learning experience. “It’s my second or third time with the team, and I really love the environment here. Everyone has been very kind and supportive. I’m learning from my seniors, and whenever I get my chance to play, I’ll give my 100 percent,” he said.
India will face the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Qualifiers’ First Round tie on February 7 and 8, with Balaji’s selection underscoring the team’s focus on form, preparation, and readiness for crucial doubles action.
. . ARN