Moscow:
India's number one player Somdev Devvraman will take on Igor Andreev of Russia in the opening rubber of the Davis Cup World Group first round tie, beginning on Saturday.
Although Andreev, ranked 38, is Russia's number two but he is placed 95 spots above Somdev in the ATP rankings.
Big serving Rohan Baopnna will play the second singles against world number 13 Mikhail Youzhny.
Formidable Indian pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will play the doubles rubber on Saturday against Igor Kunitsyn and Teimuraz Gabashvili.
The reverse singles will be played on Sunday with Bopanna playing against Andreev and Somdev locking horns with Youzhny.
The winner of the tie will advance to the quarter-finals and the loser will yet again compete in the World Group play-offs.