I don't ask about location or opponent when it comes to playing for India: Paes

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

A number of top players and 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, the winner of which will compete in the 2020 World Group Qualifiers.

"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," Paes told PTI after a practice session.

"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."
"There were a lot of rumblings going on behind the scene in the Indian tennis fraternity that Leander has played his last davis Cup tie but for me playing for my country has been greatest honour. It (the call) caught me off guard but I had enough time to prepare and I have done so."
"It has been a bit of roller-coaster but I am pleased we have brought the best team forward, going into this tie. As athletes, as patriots, our job is to play for. All things happening around tennis is not our focus. Out focus is to make ourselves ready to play for country and win."
"Until November 28, teams can be changed. Regardless of who you are playing, as athletes we never underestimate the players we are playing."
"The conditions are going to be so rough. It's minus 29 today in Astana (Nur-Sultan). It's brutal, I don't think our players have played in such conditions. This is by far the toughest, weather wise. We have to be smart about fitness there."
"Whether it's talking with Ram in Tamil or us three teasing each other, his close relationship with Bala."