The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) has expectedly axed Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna from the Indian team that will take on New Zealand in the Asia-Oceania Davis Cup relegation play-off in Chandigarh from September 14 to 16.
The selection committee, which met here on Saturday, was advised by the AITA that Bhupathi and Bopanna were not to be considered for the tie because of their stand during the selection of the Olympic team, as per the decision taken by the Executive Committee in July.
Bhupathi and Bopanna had refused to partner Leander Paes for the Olympics, insisting that they be entered as a pair since they had prepared together solely with the aim of competing in the Games. Paes eventually partnered Vishnu Vardhan. None of the Indian doubles teams made an impact in the Olympics.
With Paes and Somdev Devvarman expressing their inability for this home tie and Bhupathi and Bopanna being sidelined as a disciplinary measure, the AITA selectors perforce had to pick a new-look team.
The team is spearheaded by Yuki Bhambri and Vishnu Vardhan. The AITA panel, headed by Anil Dhupar, also announced the names of Saketh Myneni, Divij Sharan, Sanam Singh and Sriram Balaji in a six-member team.
Keywords: Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Davis Cup
I don't completely agree with AITA's decision. I understand that what Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna did was wrong. They should have put their ago aside for the nation. But after their dismal performance at the Olympics they too have seen the results of their selfish decisions. So,I think now there is no need for any disciplinary action against them as they have already got themselves humiliated in front of the whole nation and they have learned their lesson. The need of the hour is that AITA should put up a strong team for Davis up and try to bring back Indian tennis' lost glory.
I am so pleased to come across this on news channel this morning. This
is apt move to bring to book such players who prize ego more than the
nation. Had AITA taken such bold stance pre-Olympics, our medal tally
could have been better. Nevertheless, better late than never. Frankly
speaking, in the recently concluded Olympics, when Bhupathi-Bopanna
duo were ousted in the first round itself, I did not feel an iota of
remorse.
Such act by AITA will also act as a deterrence for other sportsperson
too, I believe.
AITA has for once, taken a correct decision. It was time that they told
B and B that the country can do without them and bring in new young
faces. Some of these youngsters have talent and they will rise to the
occasion, given a chance.Bring in Pes as non playing captain when he is
availble and things will be OK. Let us not expect to win the Davis cup
but atleast play decently.
The right step. They MUST not represent India ever and media should not cover any of their matches, if any.
@Krishna: Are you from Karnataka? Please make a sensible comment...why
should Leander be dropped? what sin has he committed to India and
Indian Tennis apart from winning the Bronze medal for India. Please
dont hurt the real sportsman...Mahesh and Rohan can't even understand,
for what the sports is made for...for what Olympics is held for...If
they cant treat a fellow Indian, who has achieved, with due respect,
how are they going to cultivate the sportsmanship in international
arena...After reading your comment, I feel that there are more number
of Mahesh Bhupatis and Bopannas roaming amongst us....shame on
us...Please read Swetha's interview to understand the real face of
Mahesh...
If India wins the Davis cup tie against NZ, there are going to be new stars on the Indian tennis scene and spells the end of paes and all the egoists for good. The new youngsters Vishnu and Bhambri will be the future of Indian tennis.
Great move, though it has come a bit too late. The pair which had put their self-interest ahead of the nation's, deserve this & much more - possibly a ban for five years. Let the nation go unrepresented rather than succumb to individuals' pride & prejudice.
India has a great dept to the leadership and high moral representation Leader Paes has provided over the years. It's a shame Bhupathi and Bopanna acted so childishly and selfishly in failing India tennis during the Olympics.
Bhupathi and Bopanna should not be permanently banned because everyone deserves a second chance; However, they should show regret and humility while apologizing to the nation before they be reinstated.
Dropping Bhupathi and Bopanna is the only good news emanating out of India in the last several days. I agree with Mr Sujir. Ban them for life.
Great Move AITF,Ban them for life.
Its better to be late then to be never. They have really let us down in the London Olympics 2012 because of their false ego. They deserve it.
A good move. Leander Paes also should not be selected to represent India in future.
I'm not sure if its a wise move to make, especially if the country will be fighting to stay in
group I. Having said that, bold move to drop the duo - was needed.
The AITA has done the right thing by dropping Mahesh and Bopanna for the forthcoming Davis Cup tie. Though the Indian team will be handicapped without the duo the disciplinary action was clearly warranted as a fallout of the controversies that erupted before the Olympics where both of them held the tennis body to ransom by refusing to play with Leander Paes. Ultimately no one is greater than the game and no honour greater than donning the country's colours.
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