Sharan not to travel to China for Davis Cup

The 32-year old Sharan is willing to rush to Tianjin for the April 6-7 tie in case his services are required but his decision has not gone down well with the AITA selection committee. 

Sharan is the second-highest ranked Indian player in doubles at number 44 but veteran Leander Paes was chosen ahead of the Delhi player along with Rohan Bopanna, the country’s best ranked player at number 20. 

Paes is just one place behind Sharan at number 45 but his priceless experience won him the nod of the selectors for the away-tie, in which a win would put India in contention for the elite World Group yet again. 

It has been learnt that Sharan was not keen to travel unless he was assured of a place in the playing squad. He may be justified in skipping the tie since there is least possibility of him playing in this tie but a last-minute injury to Paes or Bopanna would put India in spot of bother as Yuki Bhambri, too, has pulled out of the tie due to a minor abdomen injury. 

Sharan has communicated to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) that if situation demands, he will travel to China. 

While AITA has accepted his request, his move has irked the selection committee and the team management. 

“He has written that he wants to stay back in the US and practice there but would be available to fly to China if required,” AITA Secretary General Hironmoy Chatterjee said. 

An AITA source said this move by Sharan may hasten the introduction of code of conduct. Sharan is one of the most improved Indian players of late and has maintained his place in the top-50 after breaking into the bracket in November 2017.