Davis Cup tie vs Pakistan: Weather the biggest challenge, says Rohit Rajpal

PUNE: With Pakistan naming rookies in their squad, the primary challenge for the Indian team in the upcoming Davis Cup tie in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, has come from unusual quarters.

"The biggest challenge was to get used to the minus 12-15 degree cold wave, the snow and the weather conditions here. The boys have adjusted quite well in the last two days," captain Rohit Rajpal said on Tuesday.

A blanket of snow had welcomed the Indian contingent that reached Kazakhstan on Sunday. The Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie will be played on indoor hard courts on November 29-30.

Senior players Aisam Qureishi and Akheel Khan pulled out in protest against the ITF's decision to hold the tie at a neutral venue, forcing Pakistan to name a bunch of teenagers in their squad - Yousaf Khalil, Shoaib Khan^[2], Ahmed Kamil and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman.

"So far, in practice, they seem to be hitting the ball well. Obviously this is Davis Cup, so we won't take anything lightly," Rajpal observed.

Except Khalil, none of them have an ATP ranking. In fact, this will be the first time they all will be playing outside Pakistan, having played their handful of previous tournaments exclusively in Islamabad. Some irony, there. That has not bothered the Indian players from enjoying the roses on their way.
Sumit Nagal gets a chance to round off a memorable year as he goes into the tie as the team's No. 1 singles player, ahead of Ramkumar Ramanathan. Similarly, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan will try to make the most of his India debut as he is all set to partner Leander Paes in doubles.
"It's a great opportunity for Jeevan to come on court and become a Davis Cupper. What better way to do it than play with a world record-holder," Rajpal said. "Under the wings of Leander, a great, opening match for him to come in." Coach Zeeshan Ali said staying healthy was the key for the players. "We have had some good sessions after coming over here. Getting acclimatised to these conditions is never easy ... we have been focusing on that," Zeeshan said.
"I am not worried about the game part of it. If they stay healthy, we should be alright on Friday."
^{[1][3][4][5][6][7]}

References

1. ^{^} Davis Cup (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
2. ^{^} Shoaib Khan (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
3. ^{^} Sumit Nagal (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
4. ^{^} Ramkumar Ramanathan (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
5. ^{^} Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
6. ^{^} Leander Paes (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
7. ^{^} Zeeshan Ali (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

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