Zeeshan Ali Resigns As India's Davis Cup Coach

Zeeshan Ali had replaced Nandan Bal as India's Davis Cup coach in 2013

Zeeshan Ali on Wednesday announced that he has resigned as India coach, insisting that it was time to focus on the development of the National Tennis Centre (NTC). Zeeshan had replaced Nandan Bal as India's Davis Cup coach in 2013 when the country's top players had revolted against AITA, demanding better playing conditions, and refused to play against Korea in New Delhi. The 54-year-old Zeeshan captained the country in the historic tie against Pakistan, which India won in Islamabad early this year with regular skipper Rohit Rajpal missing the assignment due to personal reasons.

"I felt that now was a good time to give my resignation as the coach of the Davis Cup team. Because, after having been captain, I wanted to end my association as coach of the Davis Cup team on a high. I gave my resignation day before yesterday," Zeeshan told PTI.

During Zeeshan's tenure, he worked with SP Mishra, Mahesh Bhupathi, Anand Amritraj and current captain Rohit Rajpal.

Zeeshan, son of former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali, said it was not a decision that was taken in haste.

"I played Davis Cup for over nine years, I have been coach of the Davis Cup team for 11 years and then captained the side as well. I don't think there is any such person from any country who has had the privilege and honour of doing all these three things." Zeeshan, during his tenure, was not paid for his role many a times as per AITA system, but that was not the reason for his decision.