Sumit Nagal Refuses National Duty Again, Sasikumar Mukund Returns To Davis Cup Squad

Sumit Nagal has yet again refused to play for the country in the Davis Cup, putting "unreasonable conditions" for his return even as Sasikumar Mukund on Friday came back to the national squad for the tie against Togo after his suspension was revoked by the AITA Executive Committee. Nagal, who has been struggling on the ATP tour, had pulled out of the tie against Sweden in September citing a back strain. He had also refused to travel to Islamabad for the contest against Pakistan in January-February, saying the grass courts do not suit his style of play.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) selection panel picked a five-member squad in which Mukund will be the highest-ranked singles player at number 368.

Mukund was serving a suspension and was not part of the tie against Sweden but non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal had a chat with the talented player, who then made himself available for the World Group I Play-off contest on February 1-2 in New Delhi.

"After captain Rajpal spoke with Mukund, his suspension was revoked by the Executive Committee, so he was picked. He is good player and need to be given a chance to wear the India jersey again," said a source.

It has been learnt that Rajpal, who will continue to lead the Davis Cup team in 2025 season, tried to convince Nagal to return for national duty but he did not respond to the mail in which the players are asked for their availability.

Yuki Bhambri, who had also missed the Sweden tie, has made himself unavailable for the contest.

"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," Rajpal told PTI.

An AITA source said, "Nagal has put