A new chapter in Indian tennis will unfold on Friday when Prakash Amritraj leads the hosts' challenge against seven-time champions Sweden in the Davis Cup World Group play-off in New Delhi.
Amritraj, India's number one player, will take on Jonas Bjorkman in the opening singles while Rohan Bopanna faces Sweden's number one Thomas Johansson on the opening day of the qualifier, the winner of which will go through to the elite 16-nation World Group next year.
Captain Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will come together after a gap of nearly five months against Bjorkman and Simon Aspelin in the doubles rubber on Saturday.
The reverse singles will be played on Sunday with Bopanna to take on Johansson in the final rubber.
Paes said the decision to leave out Harsh Mankad, who was in the reserve but has the highest ATP Tour ranking among the Indian players, was based on strategy.
He said if Mankad, with a ranking of 239, was to play, Amritraj, ranked 271, would have been the number two player and would be pitted against Johansson, which would not have been to India's favour.
"To me, there is really not much difference between Rohan Bopanna and Harsh Mankad in terms of the level of tennis they play. They are different players in terms of style," Paes said after the draw.
"Harsh is a aggressive player from the back while Rohan has the ability to hit big serves which is important on the first day of the tie. Also, Prakash playing Bjorkman would give us a better chance," Paes said.
Paes, who had dislocated his shoulder during the mixed doubles final at the French Open, said his physical readiness did play a part in his decision to sit himself out.
"I had to see, as an individual, how ready I was to play," Paes said. "The mental ability was not a factor, tennis skills was not a factor.
"The fact that I have not been fit fully in the summer, not having played as many matches as required when you take on team like Sweden, was indeed a factor.
"It was important to put the best player. It was also important to look at the opponents and who matches who.
"We had a team discussion yesterday where the whole team came together. Harsh himself stood up and put the team's interest ahead of his own.
"It was a matter of taking the inputs from all concerned and me taking the responsibility for the decision."
Mahesh Bhupathi, India's other senior player, said: "winning one point on the first day was our aim. It was part of the strategy to give Paes the maximum rest for the doubles."
Mankad, whose was named as reserve despite his high ranking, put up a brave front.
"The captain and the team felt this is the best strategy. I have learn a lot this week and feel enhanced about my tennis," Mankad said.
But by the time the first serve is underway, the focus would have shifted on Amritraj, son of the legendary Vijay Amritraj.
The US-resident Indian said he felt more confident now than when he made his debut two years ago against the Netherlands.
"It's definitely a big difference. I have eight matches under the belt and it always gives confidence when you play someone like Thomas Johansson or Jonas Bjorkman," Amritraj said.
The draw:
Friday, singles matches: Prakash Amritraj v Jonas Bjorkman; Rohan Bopanna v Thomas Johansson
Saturday, doubles match: Leander Paes/Mahesh Bhupathi v Jonas Bjorkman/Simon Aspelin
Sunday, reverse singles matches: Prakash Amritraj v Thomas Johansson; Rohan Bopanna v Jonas Bjorkman.
