A thrilling 3-2 win against Uzbekistan earlier this year had rekindled a hope that India would win its play-off encounter and book its place in prestigious World Group of Davis Cup. But the play-off encounter against Romania a few days ago was a disaster. Meek surrender by India’s singles players resulted in 1-4 bashing. An easy win by seasoned doubles pair of Paes and Bhupati was the lone saving grace.
India last played in elite World Group in 1998. Since then it is languishing in he Asia-Oceania group. With lack of top quality singles players being quite apparent, India’s re-entry in the world group looks improbable at least in the near future.
India in fact has the distinction of being three time runner up of the Davis Cup. In 1966, Ramnathan Krishnan led India to the finals before being beaten by Australia, a powerful Tennis nation then. In 1974, Amritraj brothers were at the height of their form, and would almost certainly have won the finals against South Africa, but for Indian government’s decision to forfeit the tie to condemn the countries apartheid policy. In 1987, Vijay had teamed with Ramesh Krishnan to surprise mighty Australia in semifinals only to be squarely beaten by Sweden consisting of the likes of Edberg and Wilander in their ranks.
India never had players who ranked in top twenties. Yet, it always fared splendidly in Davis Cup. The main reason behind India’s impressive record was that India always had at least one player capable of surprising even the best of players in a Davis cup match. The Krishnans, Amritraj brothers and even Paes early in his career has pulled off stunning upsets in Davis Cup matches. Sadly, Paes neglected his singles play as he started tasting success in doubles tournaments in the company of Bhupati.. His doubles career started flourishing in 1998 coinciding with India’s failure to make it to world group.
India’s current crop of players representing the country, (Bopanna, Prakash Amritraj, Somdev Deoburman) all are ranked above 250 in the world. Moreover, they don’t seem to have the passion to fight it out for the country. Add to that the fact that Lee-Hesh duo are in the twilight of their career. That leads one to sadly conclude that India’s entry in elite group is far away.
India last played in elite World Group in 1998. Since then it is languishing in he Asia-Oceania group. With lack of top quality singles players being quite apparent, India’s re-entry in the world group looks improbable at least in the near future.
India in fact has the distinction of being three time runner up of the Davis Cup. In 1966, Ramnathan Krishnan led India to the finals before being beaten by Australia, a powerful Tennis nation then. In 1974, Amritraj brothers were at the height of their form, and would almost certainly have won the finals against South Africa, but for Indian government’s decision to forfeit the tie to condemn the countries apartheid policy. In 1987, Vijay had teamed with Ramesh Krishnan to surprise mighty Australia in semifinals only to be squarely beaten by Sweden consisting of the likes of Edberg and Wilander in their ranks.
India never had players who ranked in top twenties. Yet, it always fared splendidly in Davis Cup. The main reason behind India’s impressive record was that India always had at least one player capable of surprising even the best of players in a Davis cup match. The Krishnans, Amritraj brothers and even Paes early in his career has pulled off stunning upsets in Davis Cup matches. Sadly, Paes neglected his singles play as he started tasting success in doubles tournaments in the company of Bhupati.. His doubles career started flourishing in 1998 coinciding with India’s failure to make it to world group.
India’s current crop of players representing the country, (Bopanna, Prakash Amritraj, Somdev Deoburman) all are ranked above 250 in the world. Moreover, they don’t seem to have the passion to fight it out for the country. Add to that the fact that Lee-Hesh duo are in the twilight of their career. That leads one to sadly conclude that India’s entry in elite group is far away.
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