Call it future or coincidence.

In 1964, Akhtar Ali was a key member of the Indian Davis Cup crew that travelled to Pakistan. Six a long time later, cross-border neighbours will as soon as once more battle it out on Pakistan soil with Akhtar’s son Zeeshan Ali taking up reins as crew’s captain, albeit as a stop-gap association.

Back then, Akhtar Ali had performed three of the 5 matches, profitable the opening singles and the doubles with Premjit Lall. His third match in opposition to Munawar Iqbal couldn’t be accomplished and India gained 4-0.

Both Akhtar and Lall are not any extra.

Zeeshan has been requested to double up as coach and captain since common skipper Rohit Rajpal couldn’t journey to Islamabad resulting from a medical situation at dwelling.

“Our non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal couldn’t travel with the team due to some personal reasons. I am happy to inform that today we have appointed Zeeshan Ali, a very senior player, as the captain of the side,” All India Tennis Federation (AITA) secretary normal Anil Dhupar mentioned.

“He (Zeeshan) will be the captain for this tie and firmly believe that India would put up a strong performance under his captaincy in Pakistan.”

It certainly is an emotional second for Zeeshan, who has been India’s coach since 2013.

“My father was part of that 1964 team so to be here with Indian team after 60 years is indeed a great moment for me and my family. I am looking forward to what’s coming this week. I am sure boys will put up a great show and we win this tie,” Zeeshan instructed PTI forward of the February 3-4 tie.

“It’s a great honour. I played Davis Cup over eight years and in 2013, I became the coach of the side and now becoming the captain is truly a great honour and opportunity to serve India.”

“Firstly, I wish Rajpal was here and he did not have to face the issues at home. Secondly, we had this inkling this might happen. It’s a proud moment for any player, there are not many who played, became coach and then became captain. So I thank Mr Anil jain, Anil Dhupar and Rohot for having that confidence in me.”

Zeeshan, 54, has been an integral a part of the Indian Davis Cup arrange. He has labored with Leander Paes, Anand Amritraj, SP Misra, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rajpal in his stint as coach. He is conscious of the necessities.

“I know the job and that makes my job as captain easier. The players know me and I know them. Being captain responsibilities are more but it is a process that I have been through years in and years out and now it’s a question of focussing and keeping the players ready.

“Not a lot has modified besides the designation.”

But will his approach now that in thick of things and not stay on the sidelines.

“Eariler I’d simply recomend issues ot captain now I’ve to simply observe what I really feel is correct. Earlier I used to be sitting 4 ft behind the captain and now I might be sitting within the captain’s chair. Not a lot adjustments.”

Zeeshan has been thrust into the job when it’s a highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash and that too happening on Pakistan soil after 60 years. Pakistan have all to gain with a win and India have a lot at stake being favourites.

“Well, India-Pakistan, there may be lot of hype however our gamers are professionals. They have performed in opposition to Pakistan gamers. Aisam and Rohan Bopanna had been referred to as Indo-Pak Express once they had been enjoying as crew. Yes, there may be hype however are approaching it as every other match, we’re right here to do a job,” he mentioned.