India's non-playing captain Leander Paes on Wednesday said that in his absence the onus is on his estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi to carry the country's flag in the crucial Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan, starting on Friday.

The veteran Davis Cupper also expressed his happiness over the team's preparation.

"I am happy with the preparation. A few obstacles were there, but we seemed to get over them in time. The team is fully fit and raring to go," Paes told the media on the eve of the draw for the tie here at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA).

"Mahesh (Bhupathi) has played exceedingly well at the Australian Open. He is in form and will carry the national flag forward in the upcoming tie," he added.

He, however, was of the view that the Uzbeks will be tough opponents as they have very good singles players. Asked about who will feature in the singles, the non-playing captain said: "I have to make a tough decision as to who will play and who will not. Everything will be clear by tomorrow."