CHENNAI: When Anand Amritraj was named captain of the Indian Davis Cup team in September 2013, he had two goals — harmony within the squad and making the World Group. Given that eight players had revolted against previous skipper SP Misra and India had last played a World Group tie in March 2011, neither goal was going to be a walk in the park. But Amritraj, who helped the team reach the Davis Cup final twice (1974 & 1987) during his playing days, undertook the challenge head on. After all, it was a dream to lead the side one day.
Fast forward three-and-a-half years. Amritraj’s eventful tenure has come to an end after eight ties, five of which were won. The objective of camaraderie in the team was achieved almost straight off the bat, but the three ties that got away turned out to be the keys to the World Group target which eluded him. India lost 2-3 to Serbia in the 2014 playoffs, suffered a 1-3 defeat to the Czech Republic in 2015 and were pulverised 0-5 by Spain in 2016.
Speaking to Express, Amritraj confirmed the losses were one of his two primary regrets, the other being unable to continue through 2017. “I managed the peace and harmony part quite well but the playoff ties against Serbia and Czech Republic were our best chance to ‘graduate’. In the first, we ensured a live final rubber and in the second, we blew the doubles rubber. Versus Spain, we had no chance at all,” the 65-year-old said.
Nonetheless, it does not take away from the fact that he made the most of what was provided and his time at the helm was a happy one. “The team got along well under me and it showed because we played as a unit. India were ranked in the high 20s when I took over and now we’re 19th. We also reached the playoffs all three years. I only wish the All India Tennis Association had let me continue in 2017 — making a change midway is never advisable.”
Not one to mince words, Amritraj reiterated that new skipper Mahesh Bhupathi would have a hard act to follow at home in April. “Uzbekistan are a good team, but I never thought they would beat South Korea away. The boys will have their work cut out because if we lose, it’ll mean we’ll lose the seeding next year and face tougher opposition in the opener.”
Amritraj, who batted for three singles players for the Pune tie last week where India beat New Zealand 4-1, also had words of praise for Saketh Myneni, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Yuki Bhambri. “All three have the game to be ranked within the top 100. Yuki made it a couple of years back and Saki was close last year. Ram needs to play more Challengers to improve his ranking. Futures isn’t going to cut it. When and if that happens, we’ll be tough to beat in Davis Cup.”
rohan@newindianexpress.com