New Delhi: After making a nightmarish Davis Cup debut, refusing to travel to Pakistan and facing a ban by AITA on disciplinary grounds in the last 15 months, Sasikumar Mukund is back to represent India in the Davis Cup for the World Group I Play-off tie against Togo, starting Saturday.
Mukund, ranked 360 in the world, is India’s best-ranked player for the Davis Cup clash – a number that underlines the dismal state of affairs in Indian tennis. Back in September 2023, Mukund endured a horror outing on his Davis Cup debut when he walked out of the court wincing in pain while wearing a jersey that had India spelt wrong and leaving his country 0-1 down against Morocco in Lucknow.
In January, he refused to travel to Pakistan, citing a foot injury and also pulled out of the tie against Sweden. As a result, he was banned by AITA on disciplinary grounds without even being made aware of the suspension. Captain Rohit Rajpal offered the ban to be lifted but he had to make himself available for the Sweden match.
However, he didn’t.
His commitment to play on the Tour meant he had to pay advance to his coach. His relationship with the federation was further strained.
Life comes a full circle for Mukund
Life has come full circle for Mukund, who is back in Indian colours but he is unhappy with being India’s best-ranked Indian player on the court who is languishing at number 360 on the ATP chart.
“Definitely, it hurts a little bit when I read or when I look at the numbers saying the number one-ranked player is 360. This depth, it kind of is disappointing, I have to say, because first I am an Indian tennis fan and then I am a player,” Mukund told PTI.
Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri, India’s best bet in singles and doubles rubbers are not playing against Togo but skipper Rajpal is hoping for their swift return.
While Togo does not have a player ranked inside the top 1000, Rajpal is wary of the opponents and has faith in his current team.
India’s best-ranked tennis player in the upcoming Davis Cup World Group I Play-off tie against Togo is ranked 360 in the ATP charts. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
