One of the top names in Indian Tennis, Mahesh Bhupathi was named the new non-playing captain of the Indian team for the Davis Cup. He will be in-charge after the Asia Zone Group I tie in Pune, to be played against New Zealand.
The bout against New Zealand will be the AITA’s way of giving a ‘farewell’ tie for India’s present captain Anand Amritraj.
The moment it was decided that Amritraj would be replaced, Mahesh Bhupathi was the hot favorite.
AITA Secretary General Hiranmoy Chatterjee told the mediapersons, “Everybody must get a chance to be captain. No post stays with a person forever. I personally spoke to Mr. Mahesh and asked if he is available, he said ‘Yes’. That was that. Also we wanted Amritraj to be given a farewell tie”.
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When asked if Amritraj was happy with this decision, Chatterjee replied: “No one would want to go. But everyone deserves a chance to be the captain.”He was asked if players were taken into confidence. Chatterjee replied: “It’s not their decision to make. We don’t need to consult them. Even Leander Paes was not consulted.”
He was asked if players were taken into confidence. Chatterjee replied: “It’s not their decision to make. We don’t need to consult them. Even Leander Paes was not consulted.”
Leander and Mahesh have not had a very friendly past and that might come in the way of their respective careers with the national team. When asked about this and whether Mahesh’s inclusion means an end to Leander’s career, Chatterjee said, “We will cross the bridge when it comes”.
Amritraj’s giving leeway as far as discipline was concerned was might have been the issue. He was also very open about his views in the media. When asked about this, the official did not exactly deny.
“Whenever a committee meets, we discuss lots of things. But let me tell you that we had not received any letter of support from the players,” he asserted.Another interesting point to note is that neither of Somdev Devvarman or Ramesh Krishnan was communicated regarding the coach and no playing captain’s role.
Another interesting point to note is that neither of Somdev Devvarman or Ramesh Krishnan was communicated regarding the coach and no playing captain’s role.
Interestingly, Bhupathi has not demanded any special favors or perks.
“He has not demanded anything special and simply said ‘yes’ to the job. As far as the remuneration is concerned he will be paid as per the Davis Cup payment slab,” he said.
