Davis Cup: Indonesia captain feels pressure on India as well

Bangalore - The Indonesians are only too well aware that they are the underdogs against India in this weekend’s Asia-Oceania Group 1 Davis Cup play-off tie at the KSLTA courts, but the visiting team’s non-playing captain Hendri Susilo Pramono warned that the pressure of playing a relegation match cannot be discounted.

While his wards had a hit at the KSLTA courts, here Tuesday, 33-year old Pramono, who last played Davis Cup in 2005, said that despite the odds stacked against his team, it will not deter his players from trying to make a match of it in a bid to notch their maiden win against India whom they last played in 1992.

“I wish India had fielded the same team that they put up against South Korea!” said Pramono in jest in an obvious reference to the virtual second string that India fielded in February in the wake of a player-boycott.

“They are fielding a full strength team, but we are not worried and we will do our best. This being relegation play-off there will be pressure on both teams. It should be working on their mind,” Pramono pointed out.

The Indonesian team comprises Christopher Rungkat (ranked 250), Elbert Sie (888), Wisnu Adi Nugroho (1774) and David Agung Sustanto (1357).

“Our boys will play their natural game and we will decide on the exact composition soon. Of course, Rungkat, who is our National champion, will be our key player in this tie,” Pramono said.

Regarding the playing conditions, Pramono said: “The courts are good and we don’t mind playing under lights. In a way it is good for us as there will be less heat and all our players are used to playing under lights. My message to them is simple – don’t get overawed, just go and play, and give it your best shot.”

The 23-year old Rungkat, a semi-finalist in a $10,000 event in Vietnam last week, said: “I am no stranger to India as I have played here before and look forward to a good tie this weekend.”