Davis Cup Captain Rohit Rajpal Anxiously Awaits Sumit Nagal's Fitness Update
India's non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal finds himself in a state of anxious anticipation as the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 tie against the Netherlands approaches this Saturday in Bengaluru. The primary source of concern revolves around the availability of India's top-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, who is currently battling a hip injury.
Nagal's Injury Timeline and Rehabilitation Progress
The injury occurred during the ATP Challenger 75 event in Nonthaburi, Thailand, last month when Nagal faced Japan's Rio Noguchi. During that round-of-16 match, Nagal experienced a strain in his hip, forcing him to retire in the first set. He promptly returned to India and has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation since.
Currently ranked world No. 281, Nagal is scheduled to resume on-court training in Bengaluru starting Tuesday. This development comes after he has spent the last couple of weeks in rehabilitation, with his progress being carefully monitored by the team's medical staff.
Captain Rajpal's Cautious Optimism and Team Preparations
"We certainly have a concern with his injury," admitted Captain Rajpal. "The physios are working hard with him and we're keeping our fingers crossed." Rajpal further elaborated on Nagal's recovery process, noting that the player has been slowly building up his fitness. "He trained on the court twice in Delhi. From Tuesday onwards, we'll start to put him under pressure — in sets and match situations. That's when we'll really know," Rajpal added, highlighting the critical testing phase ahead.
This injury concern adds to Nagal's challenging first half of 2025, during which he also battled illness and a back injury, making his fitness a paramount issue for the Indian team.
Rest of the Squad Gears Up for Crucial Tie
While Nagal's situation remains under close observation, other members of the Indian squad are actively preparing for the upcoming tie. Karan Singh and Rithvik Bollipalli have already commenced their training sessions under Captain Rajpal's supervision. Additionally, Dhakshineswar Suresh and Yuki Bhambri are expected to join the training camp soon, ensuring the team maintains its competitive edge.
The Indian team faces a significant challenge against the Netherlands, and Nagal's potential participation could be a decisive factor. As the days count down to Saturday's tie, all eyes remain on his rehabilitation progress and fitness assessment.
