leander Paes was on Monday retained in the Indian Davis Cup squad for the tie against Uzbekistan but new non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi will decide whether the veteran pro will make the final four.
Bhupathi will take a call on Paes' inclusion 10 days before the Asia/Oceania Group 1 second-round tie which begins April 7 in Bengaluru.
The AITA selection committee, led by SP Misra, named four singles players — Ramkumar Ramanathan, Yuki Bhambri, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and N Sriram Balaji — and two doubles players — Rohan Bopanna and leander Paes — in the six-member squad.
AITA Secretary General Hironmoy Chatterjee said it was now up to the captain to decide on the final four.
"This is the best India has and we have given the captain the opportunity to pick from the best. As of today (for the doubles) the best option was leander and Rohan, ranking wise and form wise. Captain will discuss with chairman of the Selection Committee 10 days before the tie to finalise the final four," Chatterjee said.
"This tie is very important. Denis Istomin is expected to win both the singles matches if he is fit, so doubles becomes very crucial in this tie, so it is now up to the captain."
Chatterjee also said they had thought of picking three singles and one doubles player but after discussions, they opted to have a six-member squad.
Bhupathi, on the other hand, said the team will be finalised close to the tie but as of now, considering the strong challenge that Uzbekistan pose for India, a 3-1 combination looks ideal. "If you ask me to tell you right now, because of the depth of the Uzbekistan team, I would prefer to play three singles and a doubles but there is no reason it can't change in next few weeks," Bhupathi said in an exclusive chat.