Inside story: How Rohit Rajpal became Davis Cup captain

In a dramatic move, that was made worse by timing, All India Tennis Association removed Mahesh Bhupathi as captain for upcoming tie against Pakistan on Monday, a few hours before International Tennis Federation anunced that tie will be shifted to a neutral venue.   Sources part of meeting on Monday claim AITA had choice but to do it as Bhupathi had made himself unavailable for tie in Pakistan and because his tenure was already over. Republic TV has also learnt that former player and chairman of selection panel, Rohit Rajpal, who has been named new n-playing captain for just this tie, for w, was t only or most obvious choice.  

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How Rohit Rajpal became captain

Sources say Leander Paes and former captain Anand Amritraj were both considered. Paes was keen to come back to team as a playing captain, sources say. But AITA decided against it because y felt it is better to avoid issues with a playing captain and stick to a n-playing captain. Amritraj, on or hand, was keen to come back for a full stint and t just for one tie. But at this junction, AITA wanted conditions and was looking for a replacement only for Pakistan tie.  

Rohit Rajpal was n considered, as he has been once before also when Anand eventually took over as Davis Cup captain. Rajpal agreed to take over just for one tie and insisted he is allowed to speak to players to convince m to go as he was keen to have a full-strength team especially playing against a hostile crowd in Islamabad. All of that has changed of course since ITF has decided to shift tie to a neutral venue.

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Bhupathi still considers himself as captain

Even though Pakistan has so far t agreed to it and contested ITF decision, Bhupathi went public saying that he considers himself still captain because tie is longer in Pakistan, which he had refused to go for. But AITA stands firm. y say re will be going back on ir decision as Bhupathi refused national duty. Bhupathi and some senior players made mselves unavailable for tie due to security concerns. It remains to be seen if any of players who had initially made mselves unavailable will be considered for tie. But one thing is certain, Leander Paes is set to be back after t being part of team for last two ties.

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