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IMAGE: Zeeshan Ali will take over as India’s non-playing captain, precisely 60 years after his father Akhtar Ali had performed a key position within the nation’s Davis Cup victory in Pakistan in 1964. {Photograph}: AITA/X
Name it future or coincidence.
In 1964, Akhtar Ali was a key member of the Indian Davis Cup group that travelled to Pakistan. Six many years later, cross-border neighbours will as soon as once more battle it out on Pakistan soil with Akhtar’s son Zeeshan Ali taking up reins as group’s captain, albeit as a stop-gap association.
Again then, Akhtar Ali had performed three of the 5 matches, profitable the opening singles and the doubles with Premjit Lall. His third match towards Munawar Iqbal couldn’t be accomplished and India gained 4-0.
Each Akhtar and Lall are not any extra.
Zeeshan has been requested to double up as coach and captain since common skipper Rohit Rajpal couldn’t journey to Islamabad on account of a medical difficulty at dwelling.
“Our non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal could not journey with the group on account of some private causes. I’m completely happy to tell that right this moment we’ve got appointed Zeeshan Ali, a really senior participant, because the captain of the aspect,” All India Tennis Federation (AITA) secretary common Anil Dhupar stated.
“He (Zeeshan) would be the captain for this tie and firmly consider that India would put up a powerful efficiency underneath his captaincy in Pakistan.”
It certainly is an emotional second for Zeeshan, who has been India’s coach since 2013.
“My father was a part of that 1964 group so to be right here with Indian group after 60 years is certainly an incredible second for me and my household. I’m trying ahead to what’s coming this week. I’m positive boys will put up an incredible present and we win this tie,” Zeeshan advised PTI forward of the February 3-4 tie.
“It is an incredible honour. I performed Davis Cup over eight years and in 2013, I turned the coach of the aspect and now turning into the captain is actually an incredible honour and alternative to serve India.”
“Firstly, I want Rajpal was right here and he didn’t need to face the problems at dwelling. Secondly, we had this inkling this would possibly occur. It is a proud second for any participant, there should not many who performed, turned coach after which turned captain. So I thank Mr Anil jain, Anil Dhupar and Rohot for having that confidence in me.”
Zeeshan, 54, has been an integral a part of the Indian Davis Cup arrange. He has labored with Leander Paes, Anand Amritraj, S P Misra, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rajpal in his stint as coach. He’s conscious of the necessities.
“I do know the job and that makes my job as captain simpler. The gamers know me and I do know them. Being captain obligations are extra however it’s a course of that I’ve been by years in and years out and now it is a query of focussing and maintaining the gamers prepared.
“Not a lot has modified besides the designation.”
However will his method now that in thick of issues and never keep on the sidelines.
“Eariler I might simply recomend issues ot captain now I’ve to simply observe what I really feel is true. Earlier I used to be sitting 4 ft behind the captain and now I will probably be sitting within the captain’s chair. Not a lot modifications.”
Zeeshan has been thrust into the job when it is a extremely anticipated India-Pakistan conflict and that too taking place on Pakistan soil after 60 years.
Pakistan have all to achieve with a win and India have so much at stake being favourites.
“Effectively, India-Pakistan, there may be lot of hype however our gamers are professionals. They’ve performed towards Pakistan gamers. Aisam and Rohan Bopanna had been known as Indo-Pak Categorical once they had been taking part in as group. Sure, there may be hype however are approaching it as every other match, we’re right here to do a job,” he stated.
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