The conversation around Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and their role in Indian tennis has become more important in recent years, especially regarding the Davis Cup. PIOs, who have Indian roots but hold citizenship from other countries, often find themselves navigating complex issues of identity and eligibility. As India seeks to strengthen its singles tennis, the role of PIOs is becoming crucial.
A PIO is someone with Indian ancestry who is a citizen of another country, like the US or the UK. In tennis, this often means players who train and compete under foreign flags but still have strong ties to their Indian heritage. For example, Rajeev Ram, a talented doubles player representing the US in the Davis Cup, embodies this duality—his Indian roots are significant, yet he must play for the country of his citizenship unless he changes it.
Historically, Indian-origin players have participated in international competitions for decades. From the 1960s to the 1980s, players such as M.S. Parameswaran and K.R. Shanmugham represented countries like Malaysia and Uganda. This occurred largely due to migration patterns from the British Commonwealth. They became notable figures in their adopted nations, partly because the Indian tennis system at that time lacked strong support.
The late 1990s marked a shift when India began including overseas-based players. Prakash Amritraj, son of tennis star Vijay Amritraj, is a key example. Born and raised in the US, he initially played for the US but later represented India after navigating eligibility requirements. This transition proved that PIOs could successfully meld into India’s tennis framework.
In terms of rules, before 2015, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) had more lenient nationality policies. An Indian passport, residency, and a waiting period were the main requirements for switching federations. However, post-2015 reforms tightened these rules substantially, requiring a deeper connection to India—such as being born in India or having at least one parent from India—along with a mandatory waiting period.
In 2025, India’s government introduced the Khelo Bharat Niti, a policy aimed at actively integrating the Indian diaspora into elite sports. While it doesn’t override ITF regulations, it simplifies the process for PIOs and OCI holders with Indian passports to compete for India, including in the Davis Cup. This initiative sends a strong signal that India is open to leveraging its global talent pool.
Newer players like Nishesh Basavareddy and Samir Banerjee are emerging under this evolving landscape. Basavareddy, with roots in Andhra Pradesh, has made waves on the ATP circuit, including a semifinal run in Auckland. Banerjee, the 2021 Wimbledon Junior Champion, is establishing himself as well. Both players currently represent the US but could potentially switch to represent India if they meet the residency and passport requirements.
India has often struggled with depth in singles tennis, especially in the Davis Cup, while doubles have remained more competitive. The inclusion of players like Basavareddy and Banerjee could significantly enhance India’s lineup, bringing valuable experience and rankings.
In social media, many fans have expressed strong support for allowing PIOs to play for India, viewing it as a way to foster connections and celebrate Indian heritage in sports. This interest highlights a broader desire for diversity and representation in Indian tennis.
The presence of PIOs is not new, but the current climate offers a unique opportunity for renewal in Indian tennis. With supportive policies and the potential for new talent, Indian tennis could finally gain the singles strength it has long needed, all while honoring its roots and the rules of international play.
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