AITA looking for second set of players

That is if the rebel group led by Bhupathi stays rigid in their demand of not playing under Paes

MUMBAI: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) is likely to opt for a second set of players if the Mahesh Bhupathi-led rebel players don't withdraw their demand of removing Leander Paes from captaincy.

To find a proper solution to the issue, the parent body of Indian tennis has formed a two-member committee comprising Bharat Ojha and junior selection panel chairman Hiranmoy Chatterjee.

"After taking up the issue, we have written to all the rebel players to inform us officially whether they would play under Paes' leadership against Japan in April," a member of the two-man panel told DNA on Tuesday. It is also learnt that soon after getting the feedbacks from Bhupathi, Prakash Amritraj and Rohan Bopanna, they will decide on the future course of action. But insiders say they have already started looking for an alternative arrangement.

The names of Karan Rastogi (who earlier supported the other three but retracted later), Sunil Kumar Sippeya, Vivek Shokeen and Harsh Mankad are doing the rounds as replacements.

According to the panel member, Paes has been announced captain not only for the Japan tie but also for the entire 2008 calendar.