Chandigarh: Rookie Divij Sharan, who broke into the top-100 ATP Doubles Ranking on Wednesday replaced Saketh Myneni in India`s Davis Cup squad and is all set to play the doubles rubber in the Asia/Oceania relegation play-off tie against New Zealand.
Divij, who reached a career-best 94th rank yesterday, was selected as a reserve player initially along with N Sriram Balaji.
Divij will be paired with either Vishnu or Yuki since he has produced good results with the two players. However it will be depend on how the first day goes for India when singles will be played.
India`s non-playing captain S P Misra insisted that Saketh has not been dropped.
"Considering Divij`s compatibility with both Yuki and Vishnu, we have decided to draft Divij in the squad. We have not dropped Saketh on talent. He is a very good player. But in the interest of the tie, we have made this change," said Misra.
This season, Divij made five Challenger level finals ? three with Yuki and two with Vishnu ? and won a title with Yuki.
The development means that Saketh will have to wait to make his Davis Cup debut and now it will Divij who will made his debut at the prestigious event.
Although Misra was tight-lipped yesterday when asked about Divij`s inclusion in the side but it would have raised a few eyebrows if the young Delhi player was not given a chance to play since he is highest-ranked player among all the squad members in then doubles.
Divij is only the fourth Indian to be in top-100 after Leander Paes (5), Rohan Bopanna (15) and Mahesh Bhupathi (18).
Divij is coming into the tie after reaching the finals of the ATP Challenger event last week in Shanghai along with Yuki.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, September 13, 2012, 00:04