Krishnan confident of victory

India's Davis Cup team captain Ramesh Krishnan is confident his boys will be able to "pull it off" against Japan in the Asia-Oceania Group-I first round Davis Cup tie, starting in Delhi on Friday.

"All the players, including Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna, are absolutely match fit and having good practice sessions. Mahesh Bhupathi is expected to join the squad today or tomorrow morning," the non-playing captain said after the team's practice session on Tuesday morning.

Paes, who won the mixed doubles title at the Australia Open, partnering tennis legend Martina Navratilova, had been hampered by a minor hip injury while Bopanna had strained his triceps recently.

Krishnan said besides those injury problems everything is under control.

"I am a little worried about the rains and practising at two different venues. Otherwise, things are fine," he observed.

He said the players were happy to get on to the grass and practice in two sessions.

"If they practice early in the week, they can get rest in between and keep fresh and focussed," he noted.

The veteran player felt the best way to practice was to play as many singles as possible.

He said Bhupathi should have been along with the team as it would have given him enough time to get used to the grass and conditions in Delhi.

However, he quickly added: "He is pre-occupied with certain engagements. He is an experienced player who knows how to get into the groove quickly."

Krishnan said he is not taking the Japanese lightly as they have four good singles players in their ranks.

"But we should be able to pull it off," he declared.