Somdev is find of the Romania tie: Nandan Bal

India might have swallowed a crushing 1-4 defeat against Romania in the Davis Cup play-off tie but coach Nandan Bal asserts that the team did not come back empty handed as it has found a future star in Somdev Devvarman.

Somdev, who is currently playing an ATP Challenger tournament in Romania, had squandered a winnable position in his second singles against Victor Crivoi but did trouble the higher-ranked player and impressed with his game.

"In Somdev we have found a player who is hard working and keen learner. He is very good. Let him play 2-3 more Davis Cup ties and you will see him producing results," Bal told PTI in an interview.

"He just lacked experience (in the dead rubber) to put away a tie. But he is ready to learn and I am sure he will win many ties for India in future," he added.

Speaking about the second reverse singles, which Somdev lost after leading 5-4 in the second set, Bal said Crivoi curbed his unforced errors amazingly and clinched victory from the jaws of defeat.

"Apart from a double fault, Somdev also committed a foot fault. This is something he has to learn. He suddenly held back. Crivoi on the other hand played an aggressive game. The guy did not make any mistake.

"Somdev started playing safe.... Ultra-defense.. In hope that Crivoi will make some mistakes but the Romania player did not give Somdev any such chance. He raised his game," he said.