The on court chemistry between Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi still makes them tough competitors and they should combine forces for the India's sake in Beijing Olympic Games, former Davis Cup captain Vijay Amritraj said on Saturday.
- Bhupathi is the obvious choice: Paes
"I don't think they have a choice but to play together for two weeks at the Games for the sake of the country. If they just stand on the same side of the court, it will simply put pressure on the other side," the former Indian Davis Cup captain told reporters in Mumbai.
Amritraj gave a clarion call to Paes and Bhupathi to bury any differences, if they have any.
"What they have done (by winning a host of Grand Slam doubles crowns) is nothing short of outstanding. They will now have to come together for the country's sake and aim for a medal in the Olympics," Amritraj said on the sidelines of the Good Earth Super Series juniors tournament.
Amritraj felt that though it would be an ideal scenario if the 'Indian Express' could be together and play in a few tournaments ahead of the Beijing Games, it would still work out for the pair if they are unable to do so because of the understanding they have exhibited in the past on court.
"They are young and fit. They should get along like a house on fire," he said.
Amritraj also praised the performance of India's top woman player Sania Mirza, saying "She has not rested on her laurels and works very hard at her game. It's not easy to repeat what she did in her first year in the second, but she has done it. We all pray she stays healthy".
