His recent successes on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit has fetched teenage sensation Yuki Bhambri a place in the Indian Davis Cup squad for the crucial World Group play-off tie against South Africa scheduled from September 18 to 20.
Yuki replaces Sanam Singh, a reserve player for the tie against Chinese Taipei, in the squad which remains unchanged otherwise. Somdev Devvarman, Rohan Bopanna, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are the other members of the squad, announced by All India Tennis Association (AITA).
S.P. Misra will continue as the non-playing captain while Nandan Bal will be coach of the team for the away tie.
If India wins the tie, it will enter the World Group after a gap of 11 years. India advanced to the play-off tie after Australia forfeited the final-round rubber to be held in Chennai on security grounds.
“Bopanna has recovered from the injury, so we have retained him in the squad. Whether Yuki would make his debut will be decided by the captain only,” said one of the selectors.
