Canadian Challenge awaits India in the Davis Cup World Group Playoff

India will look to put behind the memories of defeats suffered in three consecutive years at the Davis Cup world group playoff as they face hosts Canada this weekend in Edmonton.

In doubles, which has since long been regarded as India’s strength, Indian hopes will rely on the experienced Rohan Bopanna and the talented Saketh Myneni. The formidable Indian pair would be up against veteran Daniel Nestor, who is likely to team up with Vasek Pospisil. However, the Canadians could also play with Brayden Schnur, who would like to make a grand Davis Cup debut if given a chance.

As far as the singles is concerned, Denis Shapovalov - who set the tennis the world alight by taking out Rafael Nadal at the Montreal Masters - would be the man on whose soldiers the Canadian hopes rely. The 18-year-old has also beaten the likes of Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga recently.

Shapovalov celebrates at the 2017 US Open.

Pospisil is likely to be Canada’s second representative in the singles. He is coming into the tie with a streak of five consecutive losses on the ATP tour.

However, the recent Davis Cup record for the World No. 82 Canadian at home has been impressive. Vasvek had won both his singles against the Brits in February this year.

India would rely heavily on Yuki Bhambri

Indian star Yuki Bhambri, who recently knocked Gael Monfils out of the Citi Open in Washington, would look to give the Canadians a run for their money. The World No. 157 might have lost to Pospisil when they played each other in the Chennai Open quarterfinal of 2014, but he would fancy his chances this time based on form.

Ramkumar Ramanathan, who was able to defeat the new star of the tennis world Dominic Thiem recently, would also be egger to make a mark against Canada. Ranked 154 in the world, Ramanathan is known for playing his heart out in tough conditions, and he would be looking to secure at least one point for his side in this tie.

This would be only the 2nd tie for Indian legend Bhupathi as non-playing captain

For the Indian captain Mahesh Bhupathi, who took over from Anand Amritraj and led his side to an emphatic victory in his debut tie as captain, a victory over Canada would be truly memorable. The Indian side, which was outclassed by the mighty Serbians in the previous year’s world group playoff, would look to fulfil the long cherished dream of re-entering the word group. However, the Canadians would pose a serious challenge in their bid for glory.