With the full backing of his indomitable captain Leander Paes, young Somdev Dev Varman is undeterred as he makes his much-awaited Davis Cup debut for India in the Asia Oceania Group I tie against Uzbekistan in New Delhi on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who has honed his tennis skills in the US Collegiate level and came into the limelight after winning the prestigious NCAA Championship, will face top Uzbek player Denis Istoming at the DLTA courts in the second singles tie of the day.
India's Rohan Bopanna will face Farrukh Dustov in the opening rubber.
"I am not feeling any pressure," the 22-year-old said, who joined the team only three days earlier.
"It is a great opportunity for me and I am very excited to play for my country. Rohan is playing the first match, he is in great form and with Leander and Mahesh in the team, I can learn and take it easy.
"I have played lot of indoor tennis at the college level and won a Futures tournament this year. I have not played much in grass but I am comfortable on the surface."
It is the strong backing of his captain that might take off additional pressure on Somdev.
"Even if he (Somdev) loses by three sets, I know he would have given his best. He has lost only one singles and one doubles match in the Collegiate level this season which is amazing. He is determined and one of the fittest guys in the team," Paes said.
For Uzbekistan, though, Somdev will be an unknown entity and India's decision to play him have certainly taken them by surprise.
"We are surprised somewhat that Somdev is playing. We have not seen him play. We don't know much about him," Istomin, ranked 184 and 600 rungs above Somdev, said about his opponent.
With a good week of practice on grass behind them, Uzbekistan believe they can be 2-0 up on Friday.
"We are better prepared this time. We had a good practice and the centre court here is looking good and hopefully we can be 2-0 up by tomorrow," said Istomin.
Prakash Amritraj, who missed out on the singles due to a stomach ailment and will partner Mahesh Bhupathi for the doubles tie on Saturday, said it will give him time to be fit in time for the doubles match.
"We trust the decision of Paes. Besides, this is the best way out for the team and I am in 100 per cent support of it," Prakash said.
Bhupathi said he would not have any problem teaming up with Prakash.
"I have practised with both Bopanna and Prakash and I am gelling well with both of them. We really feel we can be 3-0 up on Saturday," he said.
