CHENNAI: Since the story of Sumit Nagal’s indiscipline broke on Tuesday, it continues to gather steam each passing day.
First, the recently retired Somdev Devvarman criticised the All India Tennis Association (AITA) in an open letter on Wednesday. Then, the same day, Nagal released a statement denying the allegations.
On Thursday, the AITA issued a release denying its officials’ involvement in leaking the information to a section of the media. What’s next? On the broad canvas that is Indian tennis, all these are but familiar brushstrokes. Making mountains out of molehills seems to be the underlying theme. Why is it that a 19-year-old’s actions can’t be treated as such by everyone?
The charges — emptying the mini bar in Chandigarh in July and bringing along his girlfriend in New Delhi in September — which took place during Davis Cup ties aren’t criminal offences. At least, unlike Tennis Australia, the AITA doesn’t have to deal with the antics of Bernard Tomic or Nick Kyrgios (unfortunately, Nagal doesn’t rival them in innate natural tennis ability either).
Luckily for Nagal, Davis Cup captain Anand Amritraj has chosen to stick up for him by going on record to recount the chain of events that took place. He and coach Zeeshan Ali spoke to Nagal after he checked into the team hotel in Delhi.
“On the Monday before the tie, Sumit showed up with his girlfriend. Zeeshan and I saw this, sat him down and I told him it was not acceptable, that she should be sent home. He did so without issue. On the other hand, I had no idea he cleaned out the mini bar till it was brought to my attention later,” Amritraj told Express.
“Nonetheless, Sumit is just 19 years old and everyone, including the AITA, should cut him some slack. We spoke to him and as far as I’m concerned, the matter ended then and there. Everyone makes mistakes and Sumit needn’t be targeted like this.”
But this doesn’t mean Nagal is without blame. After it became common knowledge, he should have come forward and acknowledged the mistakes he made. Denying they ever took place doesn’t help his case at all! And let’s not even talk about Devvarman. Where does he even fit into the picture?
Another source in the know added that Sumit seems to have got the short end of the stick.
“It’s not like one can’t bring wives and girlfriends, but Sumit hadn’t asked the captain’s permission. While it was sorted out internally, once the matter became public, he should have owned up and apologised instead of denying it all. Since he’s a kid, his advisers should have been more intelligent in handling this.”
While misdemeanours should be addressed, the press also needs to be more responsible and understanding. Instead of crucifixion, Nagal needs guidance.