 "Indian Davis Cup team captain Rohit Rajpal in a file photo. PTI")
Rohit Rajpal, India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain, did not take kindly to suggestions he should make way for some of India’s former players in steering the side. Rajpal was questioned by a reporter following India’s 0-4 loss to Sweden in Stockholm where questionable decisions were made such as playing N Sriram Balaji in the singles despite being a doubles expert. The player admitted later to ’not really comfortable playing singles'.
Rajpal lashed out at the critics and asked them to “shut up” when it comes to doubting his capabilities as captain.
“Since the time I took over, these guys (fans) have always been trying to say something negative to provoke or to get some reaction out of me. If my players feel otherwise, I’m a very open person. They are very welcome to say things. But I’m here for my country, ready to do whatever it takes. Even we were talking that during the Pakistan tie, my mother was in the ICU, but I was still on court,” said Rajpal.
“So I’m here to do my national duties. To all these people, I want to say one thing today – SHUT UP. And second thing, if you really care that much, don’t sit in your air-conditioned rooms and talk. Get out here and show what you can do!”
In the aftermath, former Davis Cup player Purav Raja commented on Instagram, “We are ready. Sign me up with @sdevvarman. No AC also needed in Sweden so we can come,” referring to another former India player Somdev Devvarman.
India were playing the tie without the services of injured Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri and now retired from national duty Rohan Bopanna.
India’s loss to Sweden on Sunday (15 September) marked the nation’s sixth straight defeat against the European side in Davis Cup history.
With the loss, India now head to the World Group I Play-offs next year, while Sweden have advanced to the 2025 Qualifiers.
Davis Cup 2024, India vs Sweden tennis scores and results
Match 1: N Sriram Balaji (IND) lost to Elias Ymer (SWE) 6-4, 6-2
Match 2: Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) lost to Leo Borg (SWE) 6-3, 6-4
Match 3: Ramkumar Ramanathan/N Sriram Balaji lost to Filip Bergevi/Andre Goransson 6-3, 6-4
Match 4: Siddharth Vishwakarma lost to Elias Ymer 6-2, 6-2
Match 5: Not played