India struggle in Davis Cup 2024 opening day without Sumit Nagal

India’s opening day performance at the Davis Cup against Sweden was not up to the mark. They currently trail 2-0, following straight set defeats for Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji in their singles matches.

The team strongly felt the absence of Sumit Nagal, with the world number 82 currently ruled out due to a back injury. His presence could have been a major shift as he could have provided the team with motivation not only by experience but also through results.

India struggle in Davis Cup Day 1 against Sweden

India & Sweden have faced off each other 5 times in history, and India has lost each time.
Can we change this today ?

Watch the #DavisCup matches today & tomorrow starting 5:30pm. pic.twitter.com/cnoP6gENWF

— IndiaSportsHub (@IndiaSportsHub) September 14, 2024

However, all hope is not lost in the group stage yet as the doubles matches are yet to be played on Day 2. While players like Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji could have used Nagal’s presence, they will now have to step up to the task themselves and try to earn a win back.

Here is a quick overview of the matches to be played tomorrow, Sunday, 15 September 2024:

• Match 3: Ramkumar Ramanathan/N Sriram Balaji vs Filip Bergevi/Andre Goransson – 4:30 PM IST onwards
• Match 4: N Sriram Balaji vs Leo Borg – after Match 3
• Match 5: Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Elias Ymer – after Match 4

It remains to be seen if India can turn things around on the second day, in spite of a rough start to the tournament.