AITA snubs Mahesh, says Paes will stay

It’s either us or him, thundered Rohan Bopanna, Prakash Amritraj and Mahesh Bhupathi.

It’s either us or him, thundered Rohan Bopanna, Prakash Amritraj and Mahesh Bhupathi. Well, the All India Tennis Association seems to have picked him.

Hours after Bhupathi told sections of the media that he and his fellow rebels would not play the Japan tie if Paes was captain, AITA chief Anil Khanna announced that Paes would continue as captain, at least until the April 11-13 face-off in Delhi.

“The matter has been put in abeyance. The April tie is crucial and the players must be gracious enough to represent India. August is also an important month, we are certainly a medal prospect at the Olympics if Leander and Mahesh were to put their best foot forward,” said AITA secretary-general Anil Khanna.

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“I have 100 per cent belief that the players will join the squad. If India beat Japan, the next tie will be only in September. That’s after the Olympics and we’ll sort the issue out by then,” he said.

Interestingly, though it was Rohan and Prakash who set the ball rolling in this case, Khanna repeatedly addressed his comments in the direction of the Leander-Mahesh rift.

“The rift between Mahesh and Leander may have made a bit of a difference to the issue, but they are professionals and will play for the country. They may not agree on certain issues, but one thing they see eye-to-eye on is winning an Olympic gold.

“I would like them to play at least four to six tour events before the Games. They have to show the maturity and magnanimity to remain together. It’s a responsibility for all of us, and particularly for Leander and Mahesh.”

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The AITA has appointed SP Mishra as manager for the Japan tie, and a media manager has also been appointed.