A Fresh Start For Mukund Sasikumar In Davis Cup Playoff Against Togo- Exclusive

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Mukund Sasikumar is set to step into the spotlight once again as India faces Togo in the crucial Davis Cup World Group I Play-off this Saturday.

After a turbulent year marked by injuries and an unannounced suspension following his Davis Cup debut in 2023, Mukund, now 28, is eager to turn the page and secure his first Davis Cup victory for his country.

Training primarily in Austria, Mukund has worked tirelessly to rebuild his career and is ready for the challenge, especially in the absence of Sumit Nagal, India's top singles player.

India enters the tie as the strong favorite against the lower-ranked Togo team, with Mukund to kickstart the singles matches against Liova Ayite Ajavon.

In another singles contest, Ramkumar Ramanathan will face Thomas Setodji, ranked 1256 ATP. This tie offers a pivotal opportunity for Mukund to help India advance to the World Group I in September.

Reflecting on his comeback journey, Mukund shares, "It was a very up-and-down year, and in terms of transformation, it was a rebuilding phase because I had to step out of my comfort zone. The early part of last year was tough, but since February, I haven't faced any major health issues or injuries. Despite the challenging results, there was significant improvement."

Regarding his suspension, the Chennai-born tennis player adds, "I don't feel any negativity. This is how things have been since day one. Nothing surprised me."

Sumit Nagal, India's highest-ranked singles player, has once again opted out of the Davis Cup, marking his third consecutive absence from the tie against Togo.

His repeated withdrawal has sparked controversy, with critics, including the All India Tennis Federation (AITA), branding it as a defiance of national duty. Nagal has, at times, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Indian tennis administration, pointing out its dysfunctions.

Adding to India's challenges, Yuki Bhambri, currently ranked 42nd in the world, also withdrew from the tie, leaving the team without its top two players. Unlike Nagal, however, Bhambri was part of the team during the high-stakes tie against Pakistan last year.

In response to the absences, Sasikumar Mukund, leading India's charge in the World Group-1 play-off against Togo, offered a nuanced perspective: "I have no issues with that. I think it's an individual choice, and at the end of the day, there will be situations where you can't refuse national duty. I have also been in that situation many times. They are at the peak of their careers, so you can't blame them for making different choices. Each person is free to do what they want. Personally, I have no issues with it."