'It's going to be a big learning expereince for him. It's a World Group play-off and he will get to see the best players in action from very close quarters.

'We can't push him so soon, but he is defenitely going to be the mainstay of singles in the future and he will learn the ropes on the trip.'

The only worry for Misra would be Bopanna's form as he is making a comeback after a knee injury.

'He is coming back from a knee injury. I hope he does not aggravate it. He has played a couple of tournaments in Italy, but failed to qualify for a Challenger in France.

In case, Bopanna is not fully fit, Misra will be forced to play Leander in the singles or gamble with Yuki as a last resort.

'We will be leaving on Sep 12 and practise there for two to three days. We will see how the players shape up before taking a call on the final team.'

The last time India played in the World Group was in 1998.

South Africa will be playing in a World Group play-off after 10 years. Though they will be without their highest ranked player Kevin Anderson, who has made himself unavailable for the tie. They, however, boast of a strong doubles team in Wesley Moodie and Jeff Coetzee.