However, the inspirational presence of Paes should be motivating enough for his wards to pull it off on a surface that is least liked by the Uzbeks. The wintry sun and the warmth should be to the visitors’ liking as they have come from freezing temperatures back home.

The Uzbeks, who were blanked the last time they played in Jaipur in 2005, look confident and determined this time as they have fast -improving Denis Istomin, the highest-ranked player of the tie at 184, in their ranks. He gave Lleyton Hewitt a run for his money at the recent Australian Open second round, only to lose in four sets.

Istomin, himself believes that he is a lot matured now than he was three years ago.

"Three-years back I was just 18 and was returning from an injury. Now I am more matured and have considerably improved my overall game. Coming from the Australian Open, I am in good form and confident of victory."

The visitors, who prefer hard courts and clay, also made no secret that Paes’s absence would give them the edge. Moreover, last time they had problems playing grass without proper shoes whereas this time they have come prepared.

There is very little between the two sides as they have a 1-1 head-to-head record in Davis Cup. Their team ranking in the world does not speak much as India are placed at the 29th position, while their Uzbeks are placed just one rung below at the 30th spot.

India’s best grass court player Prakash Amritraj’s stomach ailment has also upset Paes’ calculation and the team’s preparation to an extent, prompting non-playing captain Paes to select young Somdev Varman for his debut alongside Rohan Bopanna in a move to give Prakash some more time to get into match fitness.

But Paes was in no mood to term his decision as a desperate move, saying, "Somdev comes with an X-factor as the Uzbeks have never played him before. Physically, he is one of the fittest players in the team and can play on all three days. His college regime has made him a complete athlete."

"The positive thing is that he (Somdev) is determined and fearless and deserves to play the tie. The entire team is supporting him," he added.

Interestingly, the player to watch out in this tie is Paes’ estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi, who returned to the team after a year as he opted out of the last year’s tie against the same opponents saying that he will never play for the country again in the lower group stages of the World team event.

The Davis Cup rules these days are so flexible that the players could be substituted an hour before the match and if need Bopanna could even play the doubles Friday with Mahesh and let Prakash be kept fresh for the singles against Istomin Sunday. But, as Paes and Mahesh said the tie may not go into the third day live.