Chennai: The new Davis Cup captain Mahesh Bhupathi’s decision to name both Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna in the reserves may have been surprising, but for Sriram Balaji and Prajnesh Guneswaran it has resulted in their maiden call up into the final four after being in the reserves twice before.
The selection is vindication for some strong results on the Futures circuit this year.
Prajnesh was part of the squad for India’s last two ties against Spain and New Zealand and his presence could be a tactical ploy against Denis Istomin. The 30-year-old Uzbek No. 1, who beat Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Australian Open, was down match points against Prajnesh in the semifinals of the Australian Open wildcard tournament.
“I am extremely happy to be part of the playing team,” Prajnesh told The Hindu . “But I don’t think that match makes any difference because Davis Cup is completely different. What it shows though is that I can compete and stay with top players.”
For Sriram Balaji, the two earlier call ups into the reserves were more than four years ago. It has been a long wait since then and something made sweeter by finally being named in the four.
“I am really happy,” Balaji told The Hindu . “Mahesh wanted to have a young team and it is great to be in the main team after four years.”
Balaji has won four doubles titles and two singles on the Futures circuit this year and provides good flexibility to the side. “I enjoy playing doubles and it suits my style of serve and volley play. The doubles game has in fact helped me improve my singles game too.”
While the final playing four can be changed till an hour before the draw ceremony, both players would feel like they might have a strong chance to make their Davis Cup debut.
But when asked if the uncertainty could affect his preparations, Prajnesh allayed those concerns.
“I will prepare like I am going to play the rubber and I am not thinking beyond that,” he said. “If I don’t get to play, then I will try to cheer the team from the sidelines and wait for my chance. The important thing is to ensure we win the tie.”
