Rohan Bopanna returns to Davis Cup squad

Karan Rastogi and greenhorn Divij Sharan are the other members under Leander Paes

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced the Davis Cup team for the tie against Kazakhstan today, and it is a squad inclusive of Rohan Bopanna that will be taking the flight to Almaty.

Leander Paes is the captain, with Karan Rastogi and Divij Sharan — making his Davis Cup debut — the other two members. Sunil Kumar Sipaeya is the fifth player. Nandan Bal and Sandeep Kirtane will be the coaches accompanying the team.

Bopanna had made himself unavailable for the previous tie against the Uzbeks, but with him in the team this time around, it forms a much stronger unit than the one that faced Uzbekistan.

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“Bopanna’s presence in the team will definitely make us hard to beat. This is a must-win situation, and these boys can devote at least two weeks from their playing schedules to serve their country,” said Akhtar Ali, member of the selection committee.

A new face in the squad is Delhi’s Divij Sharan, who made it impossible to be ignored owing to his recent displays. He was instrumental in Delhi ‘s victory at the National Games, and clinched two doubles titles in Nigeria this month. “We looked at his records, and he has been chosen because of the way he has been playing. He has been doing well,” said Ali, speaking to The Indian Express.

The 20-year-old, though, could not believe the news himself. “Are you sure I’m in the team? I can’t believe it,” said an elated Divij. His serve-and-volley game explains his success in doubles, and even though Bopanna is likely to be first choice to play doubles alongside Paes, Sharan might get a look-in. “Paes will decide who plays doubles with him. If Bopanna has played a long match on the first day, it is possible he won’t play doubles, since he will have to play on the final day as well. In that case, we do have other options,” said Ali.

Divij is currently ranked at a career-best 484 in the ITF singles rankings. His doubles ranking is currently 456, again a career high. The Kazakhs are likely to use a slow clay surface for the April 6-8 tie.