Leander Paes to return to Indian Davis Cup squad for upcoming tie against Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Leander Paes is set to return to the Indian Davis Cup squad after making himself available for the upcoming tie against Pakistan.

The country’s top players and non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi have refused to travel to the neighbouring nation for the duel, citing security concerns. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) recently began the visa process for its players even as they are insistent on a neutral venue.

While the national federation is awaiting a final response from the world governing body, ITF, on the venue for the November 29-30 tie, it has already sent names of the players and support staff members for securing visa. AITA secretary general Hironmoy Chatterjee said Paes has confirmed his availability for the tie in Islamabad.

“ITF wanted us to start the visa process, so we sent a few names, including Paes’. The tie will be played on grass and Leander is very formidable in that. We will select a final team soon, nothing is finalised as yet,” said Chatterjee.

Asked if Paes can be made playing captain, Chatterjee responded, “It’s too early to comment on that. But he definitely will not go as non-playing captain. He has not retired, he is still playing. First we have to select a team, then the committee will decide who the captain is.” Paes has not been considered by the AITA for selection since winning the history-creating doubles match during the tie against China in April 2018.

Paes became the most successful doubles player in the Davis Cup when he and Rohan Bopanna defeated Ze Zhang and Mao-Xin Gong. It was Paes’ 43rd victory and it took him past Italian Nicola Pietrangeli (42). Non-playing captain Bhupathi, top doubles player Bopanna and top singles players like Ramkumar Ramanathan, Sumit Nagal and Sasi Kumar Mukund have all said they are not comfortable travelling to Islamabad.

Country’s best-ranked singles player Prajnesh Gunneswaran and doubles exponent Divij Sharan aren’t available for the tie. “We have exempted Prajnesh because he is getting married on the first day of the tie. Divij told us he is taking a twoweek break after his wedding reception on November 23. The families of Mahesh, Rohan and Ramkumar are not comfortable with their travelling to Pakistan,” said Chatterjee.

Saketh Myneni, Arjun Kadhe, Vijay Sundar Prashanth, N Sriram Balaji, Siddharth Rawat and Manish Suresh Kumar are available for the tie. Coach Zeeshan Ali, physio Anand Kumar and team manager Sunder Iyer are also ready to travel.