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Paes steps down as Davis Cup captain
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August 19, 2008 17:47 IST

Leander Paes [Images] has stepped down as captain of the Indian Davis Cup team just over a month before the crucial World Group play-off match against Romania.

Former Davis Cup player S P Mishra, manager of the team for the tie against Japan in April, has been appointed non-playing captain for the match in Bucharest, in September, the All India Tennis Association said in a statement on Tuesday.

Paes had informed AITA secretary-general Anil Khanna about his decision to step down shortly after losing in the doubles quarter-finals at the Olympics [Images].

"He (Paes) would like to step down as captain of the Davis Cup team for the tie against Romania as he wanted the best Davis Cup team to represent the nation," the statement said, adding, "And did not want to leave any doubt in anyone's mind for their non-participation to represent the country in the biggest team event."

Three members of the Davis Cup team -- Mahesh Bhupathi [Images], Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj-- had revolted against Paes after the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania round I tie against Uzbekistan, saying the captain had put his interests above that of the team.

Though the revolt was withdrawn for the home tie against Japan [Images], the players maintained that their letter to the AITA outlining their grievances against Paes would stand.

Keeping away from controversy, the AITA has picked the two highest-ranked players for the tie in Bucharest, which will be played on clay.

Somdev Devvarman, who broke into the top-250 following a great run on the circuit, has replaced Bopanna. He along with Amritraj will carry out the singles duty for India while Paes and Bhupathi make up the doubles team.

Indian squad for the Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie against Romania:
Prakash Amritraj
Somdev Devvarman
Leander Paes
Mahesh Bhupathi
SP Mishra (captain)



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