Team upbeat despite Bhupathi8217;s absence

Calcutta, March 29: Despite the possibility of Mahesh Bhupathi not being able to play because of a hamstring pull, India are confident of winning their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against China, to be held later this week, quite convincingly,8217; India8217;s non-playing captain Jaideep Mukherjea said today.

Speaking during the first day8217;s workout of both teams at the lush green South Club courts, the venue of the three-day tie beginning on April two, Mukherjea said though attempts were being made to help Bhupathi fully recover before the start of the tournament, the chances of his playing looked slim.

About the potential of the young Chinese side which lost its last Davis Cup group encounter against New Zealand 2-3, Mukherjea said he saw the Chinese playing during the Asiad and was not very impressed with their performance.

8220;With all respect to their capability I am confident of winning the tie convincingly, though I am not making a prediction,8221; the Indian captain remarked.