Pleased to be playing for India again: Paes

NEW DELHI: Worrying about the venue is never an option when it comes to playing for India, asserted Leander Paes, days after most of his colleagues expressed reservations about travelling to previous venue Islamabad for their Davis Cup tie against Pakistan.

A number of top players and former captain Mahesh Bhupathi had refused to play in the Pakistan capital due to security concerns but Paes, along with Saketh Myneni and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, were available. All three are now part of India’s Davis Cup squad which will travel to Nur-Sultan for the November 29-30 tie.

“I am very pleased to be playing for the country again. My job is not to worry about the location or the opponent, my job is to put my best foot forward. Given the circumstance, part of my job was to motivate the youngsters,” said Paes.

“We did not want India to either default or forfeit this tie. When it comes to playing for India, I don’t ask where and who my opponent is,” he added firmly. Does it mean that Paes was not worried about his safety in Pakistan?

“Regardless of where we play, we do due diligence to make sure safety of the team is there. That being said, I knew that once venue was decided, players were picked, homework was being done and right measures were taken for us to play.”