Despite the fact that they had failed to break into the Elite World Group in the last three years they reached the play-off stage, Indian Davis Cup team landed in the Netherlands with the hope of turning fourth time lucky. India are up against Holland — a team that is ranked 10th and consists of two top-15 players, Sjeng Schalken and Martin Verkerk — in the qualifying tie from September 19-21. Raemon Sluiter and Jon van Lottum are the other two members of the host team captained by Tjerk Bogtstra. What makes the task even more difficult for the Indians is the fact that they will be without their best-bet Leander Paes, who is recuperating in Orlando, USA, after undergoing treatment for a brain cyst. “Well, it would have been tough even with Leander. Without him, it is going that much more tough,” team captain Ramesh Krishnan said from Zwolle, the venue of the match. The last time India were without Paes was two years ago when they played Sweden, again in a play-off. That experience should help Krishnan handle the present situation. “Playing Davis Cup is by itself special. So the players should be aware of their responsibilities and be inspired themselves,” he said.
