India to host New Zealand in next Asia-Oceania Davis Cup tie

“It’s good for us that we are playing at home. Let’s hope that Yuki Bhambri and Somdev Devvarman get back to playing in the side. It’s still a few months away. I will discuss with AITA about the surface and venue soon,” Amritraj told PTI.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association is interested in hosting the tie and is expected to send a letter to AITA, expressing intent to host the first round tie. In that case, Pune will be the venue.

India have not lost to New Zealand in the last five ties played between the two teams. They emerged victorious in 2015, 2012, 2004, 2003, 2002 while losing three ties (1978, 1976, 1975) out of eight played so far.

If India win the first round, they will clash with the winner of the other first round between Uzbekistan and Korea. If it’s against Uzbekistan, it will be a home tie again but it will be an away fixture if it’s against Korea for the second round, scheduled for April 7-9.