India Gear Up For A Historic Billie Jean King Cup Push In Bengaluru- EXCLUSIVE

As the sun sets over the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru this weekend, the Indian women's tennis team will walk into what could be one of the most defining challenges of their careers.

Grouped alongside Slovenia and the Netherlands in the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, India stand just two victories away from entering the World Group qualifiers a level the nation has long aspired to reach.

India open their campaign against Slovenia on Saturday, followed by a high-stakes clash with the Netherlands on Sunday.

With home fans behind them, a familiar hardcourt underfoot, and a squad brimming with hunger, belief, and momentum, the team has quietly built up confidence. "We're preparing well. come Saturday, we'll be ready to fight," captain Vishal

Uppal told myKhel in an exclusive chat.

Uppal made it clear that India aren't here to merely participate. "Team competition is all about upsets. If we don't believe we can spring a surprise, why would we even show up?" he said.

The advantage of home conditions, the energy of the crowd, and a cohesive squad Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipathy, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, and Prarthana Thombare-fuel his optimism.

Slovenia (ranked 19) and the Netherlands (ranked 14) arrived in the city well-prepared, having trained extensively on the same courts.

Their quality is unquestionable, but Vishal insists that reputations won't dictate India's approach. "If we play better tennis on the day, we have a shot," he said, adding that Friday's Slovenia-Netherlands opener will offer key insights before India step onto the court.

On choosing hard courts for the tie, Uppal was clear: "Well, because most Indians now play primarily on hard courts. Clay is not really a surface for us; hardly anyone plays on it anymore. Hardcourts are what our players are most comfortable on. "

Beyond tactics and surface, Uppal believes the nation has a larger role to play. "We're ranked 27th in the world. If we don't show up, how will the sport grow? Everyone understands India comes first. "

And as Bengaluru prepares to roar, Uppal sums up India's mindset best: "We've come here with heart, desire, and ambition. Now we fight. "