Promising youngster Rohan Bopanna was on Monday selected as India's second singles player for the Asia Oceania second round Davis Cup tie against New Zealand, as the team management decided to retain the combination which did duty in the previous round against Japan.
Veteran Leander Paes will be the other singles player and will also team up with Mahesh Bhupathi for the doubles, non-playing captain Ramesh Krishnan told reporters after the evening practice session at Calcutta South Club.
Krishnan said Paes is a lot more positive and fitter than last year.
"He seems to be in a very good momentum. He had a good run with David Rikl," Krishnan added.
Praising Bopanna, Krishnan said the Bangalore player had a good Futures tournament in Mumbai and is improving fast.
"However his acid test will be on the match court," Krishnan said.
Bopanna said, having won a match against Japan he is now feeling more confident and hopes to do well.
However, he said the New Zealanders should not be written off as both Mark Nielsen and Alistair Hunt have pretty good serves.
With Mahesh Bhupathi taking to the practice court alongside estranged doubles partner Paes, the Indian team looked all geared to take on New Zealand on Friday.
Paes and Bhupathi, the former numero uno duo in world doubles circuit, split up for the second time last year, but will play together again against New Zealand on Saturday to bolster the Indian challenge.
