Indian tennis is set for a historic moment this November as the country prepares to host its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup Play-Off tie.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has confirmed the women’s squad that will represent India at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs, scheduled to take place at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru, from November 14–16. The selected team features a balance of experience and youthful energy, with Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Riya Bhatia, and Prarthana Thombare making the cut. Rising star Vaidehi Chaudhari has been named as the reserve player. Former Davis Cupper Vishal Uppal will captain the side, while Radhika Kanitkar will serve as coach.
The squad will begin preparations from November 4 in Bengaluru, with additional players Zeel Desai and Shruti Ahlawat also joining the training camp. Notably, Maaya Rajeshwaran, who was part of the reserves when India sealed qualification earlier this year, has not been included in the final squad.
A Historic Home Tie
This will be only the second time India is competing in a Billie Jean King Cup Play-Off tie, and the first time they will be doing so on home soil. India last featured in this stage in 2021, when they lost 3–1 away to Latvia in Jurmala. For Bengaluru, which has hosted WTA events and ATP Challenger tournaments in the past, this event represents another major milestone in its emergence as a tennis hub. The SM Krishna Tennis Stadium will now add an international women’s team event to its portfolio, giving local fans a chance to witness India’s best players compete in one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
India has been drawn in Group G, alongside Slovenia and seventh seeds Netherlands. The three nations will play each other in a round-robin format, with the winner advancing to the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, the next stage of the global competition. The other two teams will return to their respective Regional Group I events next season.
The challenge is significant. The Netherlands, seeded seventh, bring considerable pedigree to the group, while Slovenia has produced strong individual players in recent years. For India, however, the opportunity to compete at home could prove decisive, with the support of the Bengaluru crowd likely to boost the squad’s confidence.
India booked their place in this year’s Play-Offs with a spirited performance earlier in April 2025 at the Asia-Oceania Group I event in Pune. There, the Indian women secured a crucial 2–1 win over Korea Republic, which ensured they finished second in their group behind New Zealand. That result confirmed India’s progression to the Play-Off stage. The qualification was particularly significant given the competitive field and the resilience the team displayed under pressure. It also underscored the steady improvement of Indian women’s tennis at the team level, with a mix of veterans and younger players stepping up when it mattered most.
Leading the Squad
- Ankita Raina: India’s most experienced singles campaigner, Raina has been the backbone of the national team in Billie Jean King Cup competitions for nearly a decade. With her gritty baseline game and ability to thrive in team environments, she will once again be central to India’s chances.
- Shrivalli Bhamidipaty: One of the rising stars of Indian tennis, Shrivalli has made a strong transition from the college tennis circuit to the professional ranks. Her inclusion gives India depth in singles and doubles.
- Prarthana Thombare: An Olympian and one of India’s most seasoned doubles specialists, Thombare adds valuable experience to the squad. Her partnership with younger teammates in doubles ties could prove decisive in close encounters.
- Sahaja Yamalapalli and Riya Bhatia: Both players bring additional depth, with Sahaja making steady progress on the ITF circuit and Bhatia offering experience from previous Billie Jean King Cup appearances.
Together, this combination of leadership and fresh energy provides India with a versatile lineup capable of competing across singles and doubles rubbers.
Speaking about the announcement, captain Vishal Uppal expressed optimism:
“This is a balanced squad with a strong mix of experience and youth. Playing at home gives us a fantastic advantage, and I believe the team has what it takes to challenge strong opponents like Slovenia and the Netherlands. The atmosphere in Bengaluru will be special.”
Coach Radhika Kanitkar emphasized the importance of preparation:
“We will begin camp early to ensure the players are fully ready, both physically and mentally. This is an opportunity to create history by winning India’s first-ever home play-off tie, and the players are motivated to give their best.”
The Bigger Picture
The Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup, is regarded as the World Cup of women’s tennis. It brings together top-ranked players from around the world in a unique team competition format. The tournament has often served as a platform for emerging nations to showcase their talent, and for established teams to build legacies.
For India, success in Bengaluru could open the door to the 2026 Qualifiers, a stage closer to the elite World Group. Having already reached the Play-Offs in 2021, the aim this time will be to go one better and secure a breakthrough victory. With a mix of proven performers like Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare, alongside the fresh energy of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Riya Bhatia, the Indian squad is well-balanced and motivated ahead of their historic Play-Off tie.
The challenge against Slovenia and the Netherlands will be tough, but the opportunity to play at home for the first time in Billie Jean King Cup Play-Off history could make all the difference. Come November, Bengaluru will not just host a tournament; it will witness India’s bid to carve a new chapter in women’s tennis.
