The Indian Davis Cup team could get a new non-playing captain in 2017, with Anand Amritraj’s tenure not likely to be extended by the All India Tennis Association, as reported on Saturday by Times of India.
In its Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, there was a discussion about Amritraj’s potentially continuing as the Davis Cup captain. However, given the emergence of contentious discipline among the players on several occasions, it was proposed that a new skipper be appointed.
Speaking to Indian Express, the General Secretary of the All India Tennis Association, Hiranmoy Chatterjee said, “I discussed it with coach and captain and I said there can’t be a free-for-all. Journalists are going to the dressing room and girlfriends are going to the dressing room. I said it can’t happen that way. Certain discipline needs to be maintained during a tie. Anyway, we will discuss everything and members will take a call about Anand’s future.”
Amritraj replaced SP Misra as the captain in 2013, after the latter was forced to tender his resignation because of the players’ reluctance in working with him. Amritraj’s friendly attitude was the reason that he was picked to lead the squad. Under Amritraj’s captaincy, India has done well in the tournament having reached the World Group Play-offs successively in the last three years. This year, India were routed 5-0 at home by Spain, led by Rafael Nadal.