Anand Amritraj was chosen by India’s Davis Cup team after SP Misra was removed from the top spot. (Source: Express File)
Three years ago, India’s Davis Cup team demanded that the ‘old-school’ SP Misra be removed as the non-playing captain. Instead, they preferred Anand Amritraj, a colourful character who quickly became one of their own. Now, the captain chosen by players themselves could lose his position because of their ‘indiscipline’.
The All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) executive committee met in New Delhi on Thursday, where the issue of Amritraj’s extension as the team’s non-playing captain was briefly discussed. While no decision has been taken yet, a few top office-bearers believe Amritraj should not continue because of the ‘lack of discipline’ in the team under his leadership.
AITA secretary general Hiranmoy Chatterjee said the dressing room became a ‘free for all’ in the last three years, an issue he said was raised with Amritraj during India’s Davis Cup tie against Spain in New Delhi in September.
Chatterjee did not give specific instances of indiscipline by the players. But at the heart of what is perceived as breach of code of conduct is the issue of players bringing their girlfriends and wives to the dressing rooms.
A player reportedly brought his girlfriend to the dressing room while rest of the team was out on the court during the September 2014 World Group playoff tie against Serbia in Bangalore. According to reports, during the Asia/Oceania tie against South Korea in Chandigarh, the team went out for drinks after sealing the tie on Saturday, with reverse singles to be played on Sunday.
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“I discussed it with coach and captain and I said there can’t be a free-for-all… journalists are going to the dressing room, girl friends are going to the dressing room. I said it can’t happen that way,” Chatterjee told The Indian Express. “There are certain disciplines (sic) that need to be maintained during a tie. Anyway, we will discuss everything and members will take a call about Anand’s future.”
Comments before Spain tie
Amritraj’s comments against the AITA ahead of the Spain tie too has irked AITA. The former Davis Cupper had termed the association’s decision to conduct the tie under lights as ‘unfortunate’, saying that he or the players were not consulted before the decision was taken.
The alleged disciplinary issues aside, the team has fared decently under Amritraj’s captaincy. The team established its superiority in the Asia/Oceania zone by consistently reaching the World Group playoffs. However, they were undone by tough draws – pitted against Serbia, Czech Republic and Spain in the last three years.
While Amritraj’s tenure, which ends this month, might not be extended, the AITA is likely to stick with Zeeshan Ali as the coach. Nandan Bal and Ramesh Krishnan are considered to be front runners to replace the 64-year-old, if AITA parts ways with him. A senior AITA member said they will take a decision in two weeks. “Ultimately, it is the captain’s responsibility to ensure there is discipline in the team,” a senior AITA member said.
Chatterjee, however, refused to speculate Amritraj’s future. “The captain and coach are appointed till the end of the year. So till then, he will be there. We had a slight discussion yesterday (Thursday) but since it was not an official part of the meeting, we have decided to meet again,” Chatterjee said. “We will discuss at length whether we should give him another extension. We have already given him three years so everyone feels he should be given another year, then we will do that. If it is felt a change is required, we will discuss the change.”
Amritraj could not be reached for comment.
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