The Davis Cup returns to Indian soil in February 2026, with Bengaluru set to host a high-profile Qualifiers tie between India and the Netherlands on February 7–8.
The All India Tennis Association has named a balanced and experience-driven squad for the contest, as India prepare to take on one of the strongest teams in world tennis at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.
Ranked No. 33 in the Davis Cup team standings, India face a formidable challenge against the Netherlands, who come into the tie ranked No. 4 and as runners-up from the 2024 Davis Cup season. The Dutch side have emerged as a consistent force in recent years, built around strong singles depth and a reliable doubles core, making this one of India’s toughest home assignments in the competition’s recent history.
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The Indian squad for the tie features a blend of established campaigners and younger players who have steadily grown into the international setup:
- Sumit Nagal
- Dhakshineswar Suresh
- Yuki Bhambri
- Rithvik Bollipalli
- Karan Singh
Reserves: Aryan Shah, Anirudh Chandrasekar, Digvijay Pratap Singh
At the forefront of India’s challenge is Sumit Nagal, currently the country’s highest-ranked singles player. Nagal has been the backbone of India’s Davis Cup singles efforts over the last few years, delivering wins both at home and away. His ability to compete from the baseline, absorb pressure, and stay mentally solid in long matches will be crucial against a Dutch team that thrives on consistency and pace.
D Suresh and Karan Singh represent the next wave of Indian singles talent. While both are relatively new to the Davis Cup environment, their inclusion reflects India’s intent to build depth and give emerging players exposure at the highest level. A home tie against elite opposition provides a valuable learning platform, even if they are called upon in limited roles.
Doubles Strength Remains India’s Key Weapon
As has often been the case in Davis Cup history, India’s strongest hope lies in doubles. Yuki Bhambri and Rithvik Bollipalli form a solid pairing, combining experience on the ATP Tour and Challenger circuit with familiarity on Indian hard courts. Bhambri, in particular, has enjoyed a resurgence in doubles in recent seasons and remains one of India’s most dependable Davis Cup performers.
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The reserves further underline India’s depth in doubles, with Anirudh Chandrasekar offering an additional experienced option should conditions or match-ups demand a change. In a five-rubber tie, where doubles can decisively swing momentum, India’s ability to convert the doubles rubber could prove critical.
The Netherlands arrive in Bengaluru as clear favourites on paper. Ranked No. 4 in the world, they were finalists in the 2024 Davis Cup and have built a reputation for consistency across surfaces. Their squad depth allows them to field strong singles players while maintaining one of the most reliable doubles teams in the competition.
For India, the challenge will be twofold: staying competitive in singles rubbers and ensuring they capitalise on any opportunities that arise. The home conditions in Bengaluru, traditionally offering medium-paced hard courts, could help neutralise some of the Dutch firepower, especially if India manage to draw longer rallies and extend matches.
Hosting the Davis Cup in Bengaluru adds an important emotional and tactical layer. Indian players historically perform better at home, backed by vocal crowds and familiar conditions. The SM Krishna Tennis Stadium has previously staged international ties and provides an intimate setting where crowd energy can influence momentum.
This tie also holds broader significance for Indian tennis. With the country in a transitional phase, blending established names with emerging players, matches like these serve as benchmarks for progress. Competing against a top-four nation offers a clear measure of where Indian tennis stands globally.
As the Davis Cup returns to India, the February clash against the Netherlands promises high-quality tennis and a stern test of India’s depth and resilience. While the rankings favour the visitors, home advantage, doubles strength, and the unpredictability of Davis Cup tennis ensure that India will enter the tie with belief and ambition.
