A momentous task awaits India in the Davis Cup World Group playoffs this month against the invincible European heavyweights Spain.
India beat South Korea with a comfortable 4-1 win in their Asia/Oceania Group I second round tie in July, but they face a huge task in qualifying for the elite stage of the competition against the five-time champions Spain.
A total of three times India and Spain have locked horns in Davis Cup with the European superpower winning two of those ties. The last time India faced Spain was as far back as 1965 when they lost the away tie 2-3.
Also with the 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal already signaling his intent to play the tie in India, the hosts' task is cut short.
However, Saketh Myneni, who will be in the squad for the huge clash which will take place from September 16-18 in the country's capital, feels the home support could help them raise their game.
"Hopefully with a lot of crowd there — we could raise our game in front of them," he said.
This time though the turnout could indeed be good as it is reported that the Davis Cup matches will be played in the evening rather than the usual day matches.
It means the singles matches could start at 5pm and the lone doubles match will take place at 7pm on the second day of the three-day encounter.
Does playing under floodlights be a problemIJ "Not that different," replied Saketh without taking a moment's pause.
With India retaining the same team, the onus on singles will be on Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan, while doubles responsibility will be with the experienced duo of leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna.
Even though India had a comfortable outing last time against Korea, the 28-year-old definitely knows that the clash against Spain will be a completely different ball game.
"We have to prepare at our best — they are a mighty team. But, we will try to do well," said Saketh.