India will meet host Romania for a place in the Davis Cup World Group. India last played in the World Group in 1998. Earlier, India defeated Japan in the Asia/Oceania Group semi-finals and rushed in to play in the World Group play-off. On the other hand, Romania after losing the match against France dropped into play-off match.

 

The match to be played in red clay will be a major challenge for India players. India's off-form Prakash Amritraj has not even played a single match in clay-court in Davis cup so far. However, media review of India's youngster Somdev Dev Varman is pleasing and he is expected to perform well to make India play in next level in Davis Cup.

 

Evidently, this time S P Mishra has been selected as a non-playing captain as Paes quit captaincy. Team is already unorganized as fellow players have tussles with Paes. Paes would have to play double match pairing Mahesh Bhupathi once again, and India can expect better symmetry from India duo. On the other hand, Romania team is led by 67th ranked Victor Hanescu. Other players are Adrian Cruciat (ranked 170) and Victor Crivoi (158), and Horia Tecau.