India's non-playing captain Leander Paes on Friday took Prakash Amritraj to task for claiming to the media that he was fully fit for Friday's Davis Cup singles tie against Uzbekistan.
Paes picked rookie Somdev Dev Varman ahead of Prakash, who was down with a stomach ailment.
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The captain had said Prakash was still to recover from the bug and the team could not risk playing an unfit player. Prakash was picked for the doubles match on Saturday which Paes said would give him enough time to get better.
"People can claim whatever they want. He was not fit and it was for everyone to see. He was throwing up all over the place. He went out on Saturday night and had this 'Delhi Belly' and the next day he was ill. It was unprofessional on his part to go out," Paes said.
"The team doctor saw him and he was on medication," Paes said when asked about Prakash reportedly claiming that he had recovered from the illness and was fit to play.
"He would have got adequate rest for the doubles match and would be even more fit if he plays on Sunday," Paes said.
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The stomach ailment kept Prakash out of practice on Monday and allowed him only one session the next day.
"As a captain I need to make the calls, If your choice does not work, people will criticise you," Paes said.
"As long as they are honest to the team and to me, I will respect them. Hopefully, Prakash will get over his Delhi Belly before tomorrow's doubles," he added.
