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Rediff.com  » Sports » Paes unavailable for Davis Cup tie vs New Zealand

Paes unavailable for Davis Cup tie vs New Zealand

Source: PTI
Last updated on: June 12, 2015 18:12 IST
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In Paes's absence, seasoned Rohan Bopanna and Saketh Myneni will do doubles duty in the July 17-19 tie, to be held in Christchurch.

Leander Paes

India's Davis Cup hero Leander Paes. Photograph: Steve Bardens/Getty Images

India veteran Leander Paes has opted out of next month's Davis Cup tie against New Zealand.

The selectors announced a four-member team, which will be led by singles stars Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri.

Paes played in the World Group play-off tie against Serbia in Bangalore, last September, which India lost 2-3.

In Paes's absence, seasoned Rohan Bopanna and Saketh Myneni will do doubles duty in the July 17-19 tie, to be held in Christchurch.

Talented youngster Ramkumar Ramanathan is also in the side as a reserve player.

Selection Committee chairman S P Misra said: "Paes has opted out since he has other commitments. He said he was not available for this tie.

"The singles players, Yuki and Somdev select themselves."

Misra said since it is an away tie, one reserve has been kept in the side.

Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan was part of the squad in the Bangalore tie along with Ramkumar.

India coach Zeeshan Ali said, "Paes has not given any specific reason but he said he would be available for the next tie in September."

Zeeshan is of the view that the conditions would be challenging for his side.

"On paper we appear strong. But we will be playing in 5 to 8 degrees temperature. We are not used to playing in such extreme cold conditions although we will be playing indoors. And they are a different side from the one which travelled to Chandigarh and lost 0-5 (in 2012). Their two players are in top-100 doubles and doing well."

Zeeshan also said that the team will travel to Christchurch a week before the tie.

"We can't go earlier due to Wimbledon," he said.

In the head-to-head record, India have beaten New Zealand four times in seven ties.

Meanwhile, New Zealand retained the squad that defeated beat China in their last Davis Cup outing.

Rubin Statham, Michael Venus, Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak make the team.

Statham is currently ranked 342.

Venus is ranked 52nd in the doubles, while Daniell is at No 78 and Sitak is New Zealand's top-ranked doubles player at 42.

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