Injury could put Bhupathi out of action for two weeks

India conceded the doubles rubber after Mahesh Bhupathi suffered a groin injury during the third set and retired after four games. “It’s a pity, nobody likes to give away Davis Cup match. So it was disappointing for everyone. He (Bhupathi) went for a high backhand volley and suffered the right groin injury. It’s same he suffered last year in May as well,” Misra said.

“He could not serve, volley and was not comfortable after that,” he added. Bhupathi could be out for at least two weeks. However, Misra said Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna are raring to go for reverse singles and book India a berth in the World Group after 11 years. “We are going with great spirits. Somdev is confident and I think he should put it out. He shares the same coach with Voest and knows his game pretty well,” Misra said.

Misra hinted that if India wins the tie after the first match, Yuki Bhambri can make his debut in the Cup. “We will see how it goes, but it could happen.” Misra said Bhupathi and Bopanna could have finished off the job by winning the doubles. “Things were at par at that time. I think we could have closed the tie today. But Mahesh (Bhupathi) was not comfortable. They were playing well,” he said.

Somdev said it will be South Africa who will be under pressure as they have to win both the reverse singles matches. “I am ready for my match against Rik. The pressure is still on SA. I hope to finish the job off tomorrow. We both know each others game well as we train together and share the same coach,” Somdev said.