NEW DELHI: Rohit Rajpal will continue as India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain while veteran Leander Paes, too, has retained his place in the six-member squad picked for the tie against Croatia next month.
India are scheduled to travel to Croatia for their next tie on March 6 and 7.
Zeeshan Ali will be the coach. India are scheduled to travel to Croatia for their next tie from 6th to 7th of March.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has asked Rajpal to lead the side in the 2020 season. Prajnesh Gunnewaran, Sumit Nagal and Ramkumar Ramanathan are the other singles players in the six-member squad.
Rajpal had taken over as captain of the side last year when country’s top players and then captain Mahesh Bhupathi had refused to travel to Pakistan in November.
Rajpal, who is also DLTA President, confirmed the development to the PTI.
“I have been informed that I will continue as captain for the 2020 season. I feel honoured that AITA has reposed faith in me,” Rajpal said.
The AITA selection committee chose three doubles players for the tie, including Bhupathi’s “wingman” Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Paes. The playing five-member squad will be announced closer to the tie.
With both of them returning, the selection panel has left out Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan.
Both Nedunchezhiyan (105) and Purav Raja (91) are ranked above Paes in the ATP list.
“We could not have taken all, who played against Pakistan though they raised their hands up in the difficult situation. Leander is playing well, he just beat Divij (in Pune). The ranking was not the sole criteria. Paes’ reflexes are still good and he is moving well,” Balram told PTI.
Rajpal said they will consider form and fitness near the tie and the best side will be fielded.
India squad: Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Sumit Nagal, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Leander Paes.
Captain: Rohit Rajpal
Coach: Zeeshan Ali
