Match-Maker

Let me start by saying that I do not like Mahesh Bhupathi. I do not watch any of his matches and I do not support him even if he is playing in Grand Slam finals (doubles and mixed doubles (especially if it is with Mrs Pakistan)). Though it may be an exaggeration but I do believe that Mahesh Bhupathi would have been like "Bhu...Who??!!" if Leander Paes had not started playing doubles with him. Anyways, both of them played together, played well and made all of us proud. 

Now, they do not see eye-to-eye and do not play together. Makes sense. After all, doubles and mixed doubles events are 'team sports' and compatibility with the partner is extremely important. I am surprised how these two reached all 4 Grand Slam event finals and won two of them in 1999, when issues between them had cropped before that!!!

The issue staring at us is that India needs to send a team to Olympics. Bhupathi has made it clear that he does not want to team up with and wants to play with Bopanna. Paes wants to team up with Bopanna but is okay with any decision. Bopanna wants to play with Bhupathi but I do not think any one cares about his wishes/opinions. In any case, Mr. Bopanna is known for teaming up with just anyone. He can even team up even with a 'nasty, stupid, unfaithful neighbor', as long as he gets some news space. On a serious note, all of  them are good doubles players (with Bopanna bringing down the average; else I would have said 'great doubles players') and have tasted moderate (Mr. Bopanna caused this as well) to high level of successes. 

Though All India Tennis Association (AITA) wants to definitely include Paes (afterall, Paes is the highest ranked tennis player in the country), I believe it would make sense to send a Bhupathi-Bopanna team as they are good and more importantly, they share a good rapport and understanding. They should have a better chance than "Paes-Bhupathi" or "Paes-Bopanna". 

Other issue is related to Mixed Doubles. Here, Bhupathi-Sania is the best team that India can field. However if India decides to send only one doubles team and suppose that is 'Paes-Bopanna' then, if I am not mistaken, they cannot have a 'Bhupathi-Sania' combination in mixed doubles. All the more reason that Bhupathi should be part of the campaign. 

In my opinion, following are some possible solutions;

1. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team, they should definitely include Bhupathi so that he can also team up with Sania for mixed doubles
2. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team, Paes and Bhupathi should try to overcome their differences in case they feel that they can recreate the magic of 1999
3. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team and Paes and Bhupathi cannot overcome their differences, it should be Bhupathi and Bopanna. If this happens, I would be behind this team as they would be 'Team India' 
4. If I am not mistaken, AITA does have the option of sending two teams. If that is correct, lets send 'Bhupathi-Bopanna' and 'Paes-Somdev' (even if Somdev is 75-80% fit). And there are no points for guessing which team I would be supporting in such a case)

Guys, this is not a Grand Slam event. You already have so many of them between all of you. It is Olympics and you would be representing the country. Lets try to put the best foot forward.