Indian Davis Cup captain Leander Paes ia a true leader and a fighter, once again he led from the front as India defeated Kazakhstan 3-2 in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group `I’ play-off tie. Architect of so many Davis Cup wins for India, Paes decided to play a last single match after the tie was levelled at 2-2.

This can be termed as quite a bold move because Leander has stopped playing singles in the ATP circuit as well as in the Davis Cup to give more chance to youngsters so that they can cement their place in the Indian tennis team.

But instead of playing single specialist Karan Oberoi in the pressure situation, Leander decided to make use of his experience. And his decision turned out to be a master stroke for India as he defeated Dmitriy Makeyev in a tight match 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 41 minutes.

This victory means that India would stay in the Asia-Oceania Group `I’ for the next season but likes of Karan Oberoi and Rohan Bopanna should start taking some responsibilities because Paes is not getting any younger.

Hindu