India's top-ranked player Sumit Nagal set to miss Davis Cup tie against Togo

Tennis star Sumit Nagal has refused to appear in the forthcoming Davis Cup 2025 yet again while Sasikumar Mukul made a comeback in the Team India squad after his suspension was revoked by the AITA executive committee on Friday. Team India has named for the clash against Togo features the next highest-ranked singles players Mukund Sasikumar and Karan Kumar and doubles number 3 N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli.

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The 27-year-old, alongside Mukund and Yuki Bhambri, had withdrawn from Team India's previous Cup tie against Sweden, leading to an uproar this time. The Indian star had cited few physical challengers, but AITA alleged that he demanded money to turn up for the forthcoming Davis Cup tie.

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Sumit Nagal continues to stay away from David Cup

The Haryana-born star had also refused to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for the contest, further stating that the grass courts do not suit his style of the game. On the other hand, Mukund, who has also refused to play in the Davis Cup, had been reprimanded for it by AITA; however, he has returned to the fold now. The nation has not fielded its strongest possible squads for the last few Davis Cup ties against Togo.

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“Nagal has not responded to any email sent by AITA regarding his availability for the tie. He has missed Davis Cup ties in the past as well, and it appears he does not wish to play for the country. I am extremely disappointed with Sumit for not making himself available for this tie. We agreed to all his demands last time also still he has refused national duty which is unacceptable. It was on the insistence of Nagal that slow hard courts were chosen for the tie but now he has said he won't play,” said AITA secretary general Anil Dhupar.

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