Squad weakened,says Piperno

Piperno,at least,was upbeat about Sanias form. I was impressed with what I saw at the Australian Open,I didnt think she would be so sharp. The only thing missing was consistency,but that will come as she plays more matches, said Piperno,who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday night for a short camp before the squad leaves for Australia.

While Rushmi,Ankita and Sanaa will have a few practice sessions in Delhi,Sania will join the team in Perth after her Australian Open commitments. Sania and Mahesh Bhupathi are in the mixed doubles semi-finals.

Asked about the ministry ruling,Piperno said: The squad has been weakened. Sunitha and Shikha were looking forward to playing for India,especially with the Commonwealth Games coming up, he said.

Sania was unwilling to comment on the decision itself,but said she would do whatever it would took to put in a good performance. Ill always be there for my country,as long as Im healthy,irrespective of who is selected along with me.

Piperno though,admitted that it would take a massive effort simply to avoid relegation. The top two teams from two groups of four play each other for a World Group spot,but finishing third will be enough to stay in Group 1. The teams finishing fourth meet in a play-off,with the losing team relegated to Zone II of the Asia/Oceania Zone. Staying up will be a big achievement,keeping in mind the competition and our team, said Piperno.