Indian Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal slammed his critics for questioning his ability to lead the Indian team, asking them to ‘shut up’ during a press conference in Stockholm on Sunday.
Rohit’s remark came in the aftermath of India’s 0-4 loss to Sweden in the Davis Cup World Group 1 tie, which demoted India to the World Group 1 playoff round to be held next year.
It was a disappointing outing for the Indian team, and the media raised questions, asking for Rohit’s comments on the reaction from Indian players like Sumit Nagal, Mukund Sasikumar and Rohan Bopanna.
There were also comments that a more experienced skipper could have helped the team perform better.
Responding to the development, Rohit said, “Since the time I took over, these boys have always tried to say something negative to provoke and get a reaction out of me. If the players feel otherwise, I am a very open person, they are welcome to say what they feel. But I am here for my country, to do whatever it takes.”
Rohit also cited his mother’s illness and how he chose to stay with the Indian team even then. “During the Pakistan tie (in February), my mother was in the ICU and I was still on the (tennis) court. I am here to do my national duties,” said the 53-year-old.
“To all these people, I want to say one thing to them, shut up. 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,” signed off Rohit.