Mahesh is in form so he is automatic choice for doubles: Paes

New Delhi, Feb 6 (UNI) Mahesh Bhupathi is in superb form so he automatically gets selected ''ahead of me'' for doubles of the Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan, announced captain Leander Paes here today.

''I picked up Mahesh Bhupathi ahead of myself in the doubles because of his tremandous showing in the Australian Open'' Paes told newspersons after team practice.

The Davis Cup starts here on February 8.

The Veteran Davis cuppper said it was a ''correct'' decision because ''I believe going into the tie with three singles player and the natural choice to fill the doubles slot was Bhupathi on his current form.'' ''I always feel that there should be three singles player and one doubles player. It is very important. What will happen If one singles guy is injured.

''If I was fitter, I could have played singles and doubles. It was a hard decision for me. I had to pick one and Mahesh is the right player to carry the team forward. He has been in fine form in the Australian Open. It's not about ego between Mahesh and me, it is about the team.'' Paes also said the team has faced few obstacles during the preparation but he refused to go into detail.

''There were a few obstacles. But we have got over them and we are ready. There is another 24 hours but everyone is happy with the practice and fully fit and raring to go,'' Paes added.

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