India’s Somdev Devvarman defeated Rik De Voest 4-6, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in a near five-hour slugfest in the first reverse singles Sunday to seal India’s place in the elite Davis Cup World Group for the first time since 1998.

India have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the tie. Junior Australian Open champion Yuki Bhambri will make his Davis Cup debut in the dead singles rubber next.