India will head into the Billie Jean King Cup (Asia/Oceania Group 1) women's team tennis competition without Shrivalli Bhamidipati and Vaidehee Chaudhary due to injuries.
Shrivalli, who played a stellar role in taking the team to the playoffs last season, withdrew due to a back spasm, while Vaidehee Chaudhary was ruled out with an ankle problem.
Zeel Desai was drafted into the team at the last minute after giving a walkover in her semi-final match to join the Indian team.
Captain Vishal Uppal has to make careful choices for the two singles and a doubles match from among Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Zeel, Ankita Raina, and Rutuja Bhosale.
India will open against Thailand on Tuesday and will have to finish in the top two to qualify for the play-offs.
The five-day round-robin tournament will be a test of skill and temperament, and India would be hoping that they are able to punch above their weight.
