Davis Cup: Ramkumar Ramanathan To Lead India vs Pakistan On Grass Court

Ramkumar Ramanathan was on Sunday named in a five-member squad for the grass court challenge against Pakistan -- a clear sign that an Indian Davis Cup side is preparing to play on Pakistan soil for the first time in 60 years even as AITA awaits ITF tribunal's decision on its appeal against travel to neighbouring nation on security concerns. India last travelled to Pakistan way back in 1964 when they beat the hosts 4-0.

India have never lost to Pakistan in the Davis Cup competition in eight ties against each other.

Ramkumar, whose serve and volley game style suits the grass surface, will lead the squad that includes N Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Niki Poonacha and Saketh Myneni as All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Sunday named the team for the February 3-4 World Group I play-off tie.

The team has only Ramkumar and 2019 national champion as singles players while the three others now play only doubles on the ATP Tour.