Vijay’s recipe — Anand captain, Ramesh coach

Speaking to The Indian Express from his Los Angeles office, Vijay Amritraj, who was rumoured to have been in running for the post, gave his opinion to the recent debate on who should take over the reins after Jaideep Mukherjea’s resignation. The AITA is maintaining that Mukherjea’s resignation has not been accepted officially.

“It would be good for the country if they could get the experience of both Anand and Ramesh at the same time. Theycan do a lot for the team,” said Vijay Amritraj.

He confirmed there had been no talk between him and the AITA on the subject. “I have not been offered the post or asked about it,” he said.He added: “Anand and Ramesh have lots of ideas and concepts.” His idea would be to put Anand as captain and Ramesh as coach. “Ramesh is experienced in coaching. Anand is not a coach, he has been travelling, but he is good with people and players.”

On being asked if the two could work together, Vijay Amritraj said: “Both have played together many times and even in senior events. They would have lots to offer.”

“They have such different personalities and that will be good. They will have different ideas, too, and whatever suits the situation better can be put into use,” Vijay Amrtitraj added.

If only one of the two were to be chosen, who would he pick ? Vijay Amritraj’s diplomatic answer: “Mine is just an opinion,” said he. “In the end, it will be a question of whom Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi)both want and are comfortable with.”

Conflicting Reports: Some reports say Krishnan has confirmed to Anil Khanna, that he was willing to take up the offer. At the same time, AITA chief RK Khanna said Mukherjea, whose resignation started the whole brouhaha, is still a “strong contender” for the post. Even as AITA officials confirm that a letter was also sent to Anand Amritraj, the elder Khanna said Krishnan heads the list of contenders for the captain’s post, but did not mention Anand Amritraj’s name.

Vijay Amritraj said Anand had already left Los Angeles and would be in India on December 21. Vijay will be joining him a couple of days later for a family reunion in Chennai at Christmas. On the same day, the executive committee of AITA will get together in Mumbai to decide on the issue.

Ramesh Krishnan available
NEW DELHI: Davis Cup committee chairman and AITA commitee member Anil Khanna confirmed that Ramesh Krishnan had spoken to him on Saturday afternoon, conveying hisdecision to accept the post of India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain, subject to the executive committee’s approval on December 25.Khanna added there was “no correspondence” with Anand Amritraj on the subject. “However, Anand had indicated his wishes earlier through the players. The players had informed the AITA about his willingness to take up the position.”Khanna also said it would make no sense to pursue the matter with both players at the same time. “They have both been great players and it would not be fair to either to do that.”