NDTV

Mumbai, Oct 3: Mahesh Bhupathi has told NDTV that he does not want to play for India anymore.

It means he will no longer play for the country in the Asian Games, the Davis Cup or the 2008 Olympics.

Mahesh says the reason for quitting is that Leander Paes is unwilling to play with him in the lead up to the major events.

The ten-time Grand Slam doubles champion is also upset that despite his record in mixed doubles, the AITA chose Leander to play with Sania Mirza at the Asiad.

Now unless Paes, the current Davis Cup captain, convinces Mahesh to change his mind, it seems that the Indian express pair will never be united again.

Of course, beyond the reasons that Mahesh Bhupathi may give for his decision, the All India Tennis Association has been guilty of not recommending his name for the country's top sporting honour - the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

The AITA undermined Bhupathi despite his Davis Cup record and his 10 grand slam titles - the most for any Indian.

In that context, it's particularly poignant when Mahesh says he loves playing for the country.