'There was no pressure on me'

For the complete duration of their match, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji didn't give a feeling that they were playing together for the first time ever.

Communicating and operating like a long-associated pair, they totally swept off Farrukh Dustov and Sanjar Fayziev with their superb camaraderie.

Bopanna, who has played with many partners in Davis Cup and on Tour, said the decision to come a week ago played a big part in their instant on-court chemistry.

“Think it started with us being here for the last one week. We’ve been practising a lot together. No mater who you play with, the chemistry gets better the more number of times you play and spend time together. The camaraderie was great today. We did it as a team. This is the first time the whole team was here on Sunday. It showed on court today and yesterday. I think that's the right way to go ahead.”

Impressive debut
Making his Davis Cup debut, Balaji hardly showed any nerves, much like his fellow Tamil Nadu colleague Prajnesh Gunneswaran on Friday.

Balaji thanked captain Mahesh Bhupathi for playing a calming influence on him. “They didn't make me feel like it was my first tie. There was no pressure on me at all. They kept encouraging me all the time. I knew what to focus on. I was nervous in the beginning but I knew what I had to do.”

Bhupathi, who will now be awaiting the World Group play-off draw that will made next week with bated breath, felt his young bunch had the skills to take on the best in the world.

“I think we can give anyone a run for their money. There's a 35% chance we may play at home. With guys serving as big as this, anything is possible. Let us just hope for the best.”

Bhupathi also welcomed the selection headache he would have when premier singles player Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni return from injury.

“I’m in a good situation and it’s a good situation to be in. All the guys have to fight for their place now. They will now push each other. Its’ positive sign for Indian tennis.”