Exclusive! Ramkumar Ramanathan Says India Respect Togo And Won’t Take Their Davis Cup Opponents Lightly

With meticulous preparations, focused training, and strong team spirit, Team India is set to take on Togo in the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I Playoffs at the DLTA Complex, New Delhi, on February 1-2.

The Indian squad, under the leadership of captain Rohit Rajpal, is determined to deliver a commanding performance but remains wary of their opponents.

Rajpal's squad features a blend of experience and fresh energy-seasoned campaigners Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, and Mukund Sasikumar, alongside debutants Rithvik Bollipalli and Karan Singh.

The team will once again be without their highest-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, marking his third consecutive absence. Additionally, Yuki Bhambri, India's top-ranked doubles specialist, has also opted out of the contest.

India, ranked 38th, appears the stronger side on paper against world No. 73 Togo, but Ramanathan emphasizes that rankings alone do not determine match outcomes.

"Togo has earned its place here, and we are not underestimating them," Ramanathan said exclusively to myKhel. "They have defeated higher-ranked teams like Latvia, and we respect every opponent. It's crucial to stay focused, give our best, and play to our full potential."

Togo, led by captain Alisama Agnamba, enters the tie with remarkable momentum, having won ten consecutive matches. The West African nation boasts a four-member squad featuring globally-based players Padio Isak, Thomas Setodji, Liova Ajavon, and M'lapa Akomlo, all aiming to spring a surprise.

After a turbulent 15 months that included a tough Davis Cup debut, declining to travel to Pakistan, and facing an AITA-imposed ban for disciplinary reasons, Sasikumar Mukund is set to return to India's Davis Cup squad for the World Group I Play-off tie against Togo.

Welcoming India's top-ranked singles player Mukund Sasikumar back to the team, The 30-year-old Ramanathan acknowledged his teammate's commitment to national duty. "It's great to have Mukund here. He respects the Davis Cup and has been hitting the ball well. Playing in front of the home crowd in Delhi brings its own pressure, but with the support of our team, we'll manage it well."

As for his own role in the tie, the 2022 Adelaide international winner Ramanathan remains open to any challenge. "I'd love to play the second singles, but at the end of the day, it's about the team. Whatever the captain decides, I'm happy to contribute. Representing India in the Davis Cup is always special, and our only goal is to win this tie."

With India's focus on discipline, strategy, and unwavering respect for their opponents, the battle against Togo promises to be an intense and thrilling affair.