Sanam surprise inclusion in Davis Cup squad

CHENNAI: Yuki Bhambri was a notable omission from the Indian Davis Cup team to face Russia in the World Group first round tie from March 5. But non-playing captain SP Mishra said Bhambri was not dropped but he had opted to sit out.
"The reason Yuki was included in the team against South Africa was because Leander had pulled out due to a shoulder injury," Mishra said."Yuki replaced him and did a good job in the last rubber. This time, however, he wanted to play in the Challenger circuits in USA and therefore opted out of the tie against Russia."
Mishra also said that it would be a good experience for him to help him develop his game even further.
Bhambri has been replaced by Sanam Singh, a relatively unknown player in Indian tennis. A revelation on the college circuits in USA, he went out in the first round of qualifying for the Chennai Open losing to Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan.
The Davis Cup squad:
Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Sanam Singh
Team Captain: SP Misra
Coach: Nandan Bal.