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Doubles combo worries Ramesh

On the eve of India's upcoming Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone second round match against South Korea, from April 7 to 9, India's non-playing captain Ramesh Krishnan is a worried man. His problem is putting together a match-winning doubles combination.

With Mahesh Bhupathi out of reckoning following shoulder surgery, Krishnan does not know who to pick as the ideal partner for Leander Paes.

"We have to decide about our doubles team as soon as Leander arrives in Delhi.. I have to see how he gels with the others and choose the best possible combination,'' Krishnan said.

Paes's illustrious doubles partner Bhupathi is currently recovering in New York after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Indian No 2, whose injury has dealt a severe blow to the country's doubles fortunes in recent times, is not expected to be even present as a spectator for the Delhi tie.

In February, the Indian pair of Paes and Syed Fazaluddin had lost the doubles encounter in the first round match against lowly-rated Lebabnon, which India managed to win 3-2.

However, Krishnan added that singles too is as important.

"We should not forget that we have four singles in the best-of-five encounter. Despite working on doubles, we have to pay full attention to singles as it comprises four matches,'' he said.

Besides Paes, the Indian Davis Cup team comprises Syed Fazaluddin, Vishal Uppal and Prahlad Srinath, with Vijay Kannan the reserve.

National hardcourt champion Sunil Kumar, who was part of the Lucknow entourage, has been left out of the team "to help him focus on the ITF junior circuit and build his career by getting into Grand Slam junior events", according to the selection committee.

Asked how the boys are shaping during practise sessions at the NSCI courts, Krishnan said: "Well, they are progressing nicely.''

The Koreans, who beat Indian last year, are spearheaded by Hyung-Taik Lee and Yong-il Yoon. The duo are expected to share singles and doubles duty. Other members of the team are Hee-Sung Chung, Seung-Hoon Lee and Wong-Hong Joo (non-playing captain).

Asked if India has an advantage playing at home, Krishnan replied in the affirmative.

''Definitely, the home advantage is for us. Last year they had the same advantage. However, we should not forget that Koreans have played well in India. We can't take them lying down.''

Whether he was applying any specific strategy to counter the Koreans, Krishnan said: ''Our only strategy is to be physically fit. The rest of the things will follow.''

Is there any goal he has set himself as coach?

''Definitely," said the former Indian ace. "It is entering the World Group again. I am confident now as things are going well.''

UNI