Cash bonanza in the offing

“All to boost the youngster,” comes Cash’s reply, who at 40 and without his famous headband would need a second look to reconfirm identity. Dismissing talks that this partnership had a future, Cash, who has played 14 tournaments on the Veteran’s Tour, says “it’s just for kicks sake.one-off.”

Karan, like a diligent pupil, took the entire exercise seriously. “It’s a different experience. Who gets to play with greats like him? In the next few days I hope to make best of this opportunity,” he says, admitting to be nervous in the beginning. “Cash calmed me putting his arm around me.”

One practice session may not be enough to learn the finer aspects but Karan will pitch in a request to Cash for a proper assessment on his game. “I will ask him what needs to be done (about my game), but that will have to wait till we finish on-court business.”

Cash calls this ‘sudden’ decision to play as “fun” and believes that he could cope up playing a high-intensity ATP tournament through sheer experience. “As a 20-year-old I could cover the whole court, but age catching up look what I’ve chosen to play: doubles.”

It will be a big moment when Karan enters the court with Cash. A few strategies have been worked out too but the question still remains; will it click? Tuesday, will tell.