CHENNAI: Rohan Bopanna, India’s top-ranked doubles player had cried foul at his omission from the Davis Cup squad against New Zealand to be played in Pune in February. The doubles World No. 28 wanted to know the reasons for his exclusion and also accused coach Zeeshan Ali for not informing him.
But Indian tennis legend Ramanathan Krishnan believes that when the team is announced publicly after a selection meeting, there is no need to call and tell every player whether he is picked or not. “Strictly speaking as per convention, after the team is announced, you are not required to call and tell every player. I assume Bopanna is not speaking about rules, but courtesy,” said Krishnan.
When pointed out that Bopanna, on print, had accused Zeeshan of not calling and informing him, he said, “It is the federation’s job to inform the players about their selection and not that of the coach. During a tournament, a coach must tell a player why he is not playing. Again it all boils down to the relationship between the coach and the player,” pointed out the only Indian to reach the semifinals of the Wimbledon twice.
Selector SP Misra had pointed out that captain Anand Amritraj wanted three singles player and thus Bopanna missed the bus, due to his poor singles record. “When we played, we had six players in the team. I think it is five this time. I think they (selectors) would have selected the team based on form and which combination would work. Without talking to the selectors, it is not fair to say whether dropping Bopanna was right or wrong,” explained Krishnan.
When quizzed on whether it is time to look beyond an aging Leander Paes, he opined, “I’m always for building a team for the future. But again if a player is in form and suits the team’s requirement, then there is nothing wrong. Again I will abide by the selection committee’s vision.”
Coming to the Chennai Open, the maestro says that Stan Wawrinka’s absence would rob the event of some of its charm. “I have watched Wawrinka a lot. Wawrinka is a class player and we will certainly miss him. But there are many quality players who could make the tournament interesting.”
Who would he like to put his money on? “Well, it is the first tournament of the season. Players will be rusty. It depends on who plays consistently for a week and on a given day. Marin Cilic knows the conditions well. Aljaz Bedene gave a good account of himself last time. Borna Coric is also talented. Benoit Paire too can upset the best, so it is an even field,” he said.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com