For the first time in 19 years, India are on the verge of winning a Davis Cup tie, sans a major contribution from Lee-Hesh.

By Bhagya Ayyavoo

The blows came one after the other for India – both unexpected. First, injured Leander Paes’ withdrawal before the tie; followed by, Mahesh Bhupathi’s groin injury during the doubles rubber.

Despite the setbacks, score 2-1 in favour of India after Day 2 of the Davis Cup playoff tie against South Africa in Johannesburg is definitely a bonus. Especially, when both victories are the opening singles wins of Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna. Where does this leave Somdev and Bopanna? Yes, inches away from history!

One victory is all “So-Bo” needs on the final day to help India win the battle, without their big guns (Lee and Hesh) firing for the first time in almost 19 years! Somdev and Bopanna have a reverse singles match each at the Ellis Park arena on Sunday afternoon against Rik de Voest and Izak Van der Merwe, respectively.

Turning back the pages, there hasn’t been a Davis Cup triumph for India, without the contributions of Leander or Mahesh in a long long time, 19 years to be precise!

Leander started his Davis Cup career in 1990, at the age of 16. Mahesh joined him five years later in 1995. Lee and Hesh, playing together in Davis Cup, have remained unbeatable since April 6, 1996 when they were knocked out by Sweden’s Jonas Bjorkman and Nicklas Kulti in the World Group quarterfinals.

The Indian Express – Leander, 36, and Mahesh, 35, share an enviable 22-2 win-loss head-to-head in doubles. The duo holds the record for the longest winning streak in Davis Cup doubles ties - 22 matches and counting. But, with Lee and Hesh missing out at Johannesburg this time, it has given a rare chance for Somdev and Bopanna to announce their arrival.

After two back-to-back shockers on Day 1, the hosts might have considered themselves over and out. But, experienced Jeff Coetzee and Wesley Moodie played out an aggressive strategy and grabbed a lucky break when Bhupathi (partnering Bopanna) retired midway through the doubles match with India trailing 3-6 6-3 0-4.

The hosts are brimming with new hope and they certainly have a strategy or two to crash the Indian party on the final day. “I like our match-ups. I am really exited and I glad that I could give them another chance.

“It's going to be vital starting with Rik (De Voest). I think Rik is good at playing under pressure. In situations like that, he plays great here. Hopefully, he would take us to 2-2,” said Coetzee after keeping South Africa alive in the tie.

South Africa, who lead India 2-0 in the ties played so far, have a strategy to maintain their perfect record, once they manage to level it 2-2.

Moodie revealed, “First serve is the key for Bopanna, especially when you got a first serve like he does. He served really well against Rik on the first day. Hopefully he should be stiff and sore, and hopefully if we can get to that 2-2, we can put him under pressure and see how well he hangs.”