The New Zealand Davis Cup team have lost their tie with India 3-2 after being defeated in both of Sunday's reverse singles matches in Christchurch.
Michael Venus Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Going into the final day of the tie at Wilding Park, New Zealand held a 2-1 lead after winning the doubles and one match of the singles.
After the heroics of the first day singles win by Michael Venus and the doubles play of Artem Sitak and Marcus Daniell on day two, the New Zealand challenge fell flat on the final day of competition.
Standing in for the flu stricken Rubin Statham, Marcus Daniell was beaten in straight sets the top 150 ranked Somdev Devvarman.
With everything riding on the final match of the day, Venus faced his good friend Bhambri and it became apparent it was going to be tough as the New Zealander had his serve broken in the first game.
The free-flowing shot making of Bhambri was close to perfect at times and had an answer to every shot Venus threw at him, eventually taking the match 6-2 6-2 6-3.
The victory sends India through to the World Group playoffs in September, while New Zealand will remain in the Asia/Oceania Group One in 2016 with the first match early next year.
