Davis Cup: Ramesh Krishnan in fray to replace Anand Amritraj

CHENNAI: Former Davis Cupper Ramesh Krishnan is in fray to succeed Anand Amritraj as the next Davis Cup non-playing captain of India.
All India Tennis Association (AITA) members, who gathered at the executive committee meeting on Thursday, came up with a few other names like Nandan Bal and SP Misra, but Ramesh emerged to be the front runner for the job.
Nandan was earlier appointed the Davis Cup captain in 2001, and Misra has been the captain before he resigned in 2013 after players demanded his resignation.
The contract of both Amritraj and Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali are set to end at the end of the year. While Zeeshan is likely to continue as the coach, it is almost certain that Anand’s contract will be terminated.
“The terms of both Anand and Zeeshan are coming to an end; so a few names were discussed in the executive meeting yesterday. The federation always wants former Davis Cuppers to occupy the posts. So Ramesh Krishnan is one of the names that were discussed. We are looking into it, and the decision will be taken soon,” Hiranmoy Chatterjee, CEO of AITA, told TOI on Friday.
India washed away South Korea 4-1 in their Asia/Oceania Group I tie in July, but the players were left to wilt under extreme humid conditions.
The federation decided to play five-time Davis Cup champions Spain under the lights in New Delhi which was criticised by Anand. He said neither his players nor he were asked before such a decision had been taken and playing under the floodlights favoured Rafael Nadal & Co. It was reported that his words did not go down too well with the AITA.
When contacted, Zeeshan said he was very happy with his performance as the Davis Cup coach and would like to continue if given another opportunity.
“I have not received any official word from AITA about a new contract but if it does so I will be honoured to continue as the coach. I am quite happy with our performance in the last couple of years as we have made the World Group play-offs, also came close to winning a medal at Rio this time. We even performed well at the Asian Games in 2014. We are on the right track for sure,” Zeeshan said.
India will host New Zealand in the next Davis Cup tie in Pune from February 3 to 5.