India's Rohan Bopanna will pair alongside Saketh Myneni as the doubles team from India are set to face New Zealand's Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak in the Asia-Oceania second-round tie on Saturday.
The Indian pair is going to be under immense pressure as the home crowd at Z Energy Tennis Centre, Wilding Park and Christchurch will support New Zealand to the core. With the India-New Zealand tie levelled at 1-1, the doubles contest has gained huge importance as the team that emerge victorious increase their chance of winning the tie.
The reverse singles will be played on Sunday, but the singles players are going to be present in the venue and support their team for the doubles match.
Had Somdev Devvarman won his singles match against New Zealand's Michael Venus on Friday, India could have thought of progressing to the Davis Cup World Group Play-offs with a doubles victory on Saturday.
After the loss, irrespective of the result, the men's singles on Sunday will have a huge role in determining the team, which goes through to the World Group Play-off.
Rohan Bopanna is expected to take command in the doubles competition as he has the experience of playing amongst some of the best doubles players in the world. Expect the 1.90m tall player to turn up his game to another level for India in the doubles if required.
Bopanna and Myneni will count on the former's serve, which is one of the best in the doubles circuit. Apart from his serves, he has the leadership skills to encourage his partner to perform better against New Zealand.
However, things are not going to be easy for the Indian pair as their opponent, Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak have the required experience to topple Bopanna and Myneni, which is going to be disastrous for India, who are said to be favourites in the tie.
If Indian doubles pair lose the match, Indian singles players, including Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri, have to win their respective reverse singles clash on Sunday to defeat New Zealand.
Where to Watch Live
The Davis Cup doubles match between Rohan Bopanna/Saketh Myneni and Marcus Daniell/Artem Sitakis scheduled for 2pm local time (7:30am IST) start.
Interested fans can watch the India vs New Zealand tie live on the official website.
