Some members of Indian Davis Cup team reach Chandigarh

A few members of the Indian Davis Cup team, which is scheduled to take on New Zealand in the play-off tie of the Asia/Oceania zone from September 14-16, reached here today.

Chandigarh: A few members of the Indian Davis Cup team, which is scheduled to take on New Zealand in the play-off tie of the Asia/Oceania zone from September 14-16, reached on Saturday.

Non-playing captain S P Misra, coach Nandan Bal and Saketh Myneni, who is all set to make his David Cup debut, arrived here, while the rest of the squad -- Yuki Bhambri, Vishnu Vardhan and Chandigarh lad Sanam Singh -- will be reaching later. The Kiwis are scheduled to be here tomorrow. The draw of the matches will be held on September 13, which would be attended by the full strength Indian as well as New Zealand teams. Apart from the 25-year-old Myneni from Hyderabad, all other players have represented India in Davis Cup. Bhambri, who is the highest ranked individual in the team with singles ranking of 188 and doubles ranking of 194, has played for India in two Davis Cups -- against South Africa (2009) and Uzbekistan (2012). Vardhan, ranked 263 in singles and 258 in doubles, had been a part of the 2011 Davis Cup team against Japan, while Sanam was in the national team in this year`s tie against Uzbekistan. His singles ranking is 402. Despite the likes of Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes missing from the team, Misra expressed confidence of the youngsters doing well against New Zealand. "Our boys are ranked better than the Kiwis and this will be an advantage," said Misra. He also added that "this is the right time for the players to make a mark despite the presence of the big wigs". "The outing will be good for the players." Myneni, meanwhile, said that he and his teammates were looking forward to the matches. "Our team has been practicing hard and the players are hoping to have a great tournament." About his performance, Myneni said, "I will be giving my best and am sure of performing very well." PTI