Ankita Raina to lead Indian challenge in Billie Jean King Cup

India's top singles player Ankita Raina will spearhead the country's challenge in the Billie Jean King Cup (Asia/Oceania Group I) to be held in China next month.

Besides Ankita, the other team members for the April 8-13 event in Changsha are Sahaja Yamalapalli, Rutuja Bhosale, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Prarthana Thombare.

Ankita Raina who is playing at the ITF Gurugram Open at the moment is currently in good form where she has reached the semi-finals. Sahaja Yamalapalli is coming on the back of a good show at the WTA Mumbai earlier this month.

The All India Tennis Association has included Vaidehee Choudhary in the reserves. Former player Shalini Thakur Chawla will be the captain of the side.

Besides India which hosts China, Chinese Taipei, Pacific Oceania, and Korea will aim to progress further in the top international team tournament.

"We are thrilled to announce the lineup representing India at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I event," said AITA secretary-general in a statement.

"We have full confidence in their abilities to compete at the highest level," he added.

During the 2023 edition of the tournament held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, India won two of their five engagements, finishing fourth in a six-team pool.