Overview

Tennis in BOSM is hosted in a shortened Davis Cup schema – a ‘two singles one doubles’ best-of-3 tie format. Teams announce their singles and doubles players prior to the matches and compete in the predetermined order. With some of India’s best college teams competing, it is imperative to analyze the draw and strategically choose players based on the opponents.

The two courts in GymG are abuzz with activity in the wee hours of the morning as well as in the evening. Players involved in the doubles tie can be seen working on their net play while the singles players work on the technicalities and tactics of a baseliner game.

Like members of any other college sports team in India, BITSian tennis players have a lot to worry about apart from the sport. Playing the ultimate jugglers in attempts to manage academics and co-curricular activities, athletes have to prepare for demanding hours of physical training in preparation for the event. It is interesting to note their views on the role of a coach’s hand in the process; while hiring a coach for a 15-20 day period pre-BOSM might improve the tactical approach to matches, it is nearly impossible to find a range of long term consistency in playing style.

Past Performance

In a nerve-wracking tie in the finals last year, BITS had narrowly missed out on home glory after losing to the Sri Lankan LNIPE Team. However, the team emerged victorious at an outstation tournament held in IIT Delhi last year.

Recruitment

With talent pouring in for trials, the team believed that choosing the best fit players for the team is one of his most important tasks. The team places emphasis on a continuous evaluation over a few weeks, in order to allow the players to shed the rust.

Captain’s Interview

BITS has followed a long standing tradition of offering captaincy to a third year member of the team with proven leadership qualities and BOSM experience. Surakshit Soni, BITS Pilani’s Men’s Lawn Tennis Captain, is a former All India Tennis Association national level ranked player and has competed in ranking tournaments across different age categories. He was spotted as a young talent early on and represented his home state Rajasthan at the national level, with a personal best of AIR 47, under-17.

Having already achieved massive personal milestones in his junior career, he arrived at BITS as a perfect recruit for the Men’s Lawn Tennis Team. In the two years preceding the appointment to captaincy, he proved to be an integral part of the success of BITS in BOSM and outstation tournaments, and displayed a knack for leadership in tight situations.

To remain dedicated over a period of 5-6 years, and then follow it up with a 4 year stint in the BITS team is no easy task. Surakshit draws inspiration from the game itself and proudly says “I think it’s a niche sport, and the glamor and enthusiasm I draw from tennis keeps me going when the going gets tough. Honestly, it’s as simple as that.”

The responsibility of handling, promoting and fostering a culture of constant growth is not lost on him. He claimed it had been a great experience for him thus far and he loved to work for his teammates. The responsibility has, however, changed his game on court. Apart from his regular practice, he has to play the role of coach and mentor in the absence of a formal coach for extended periods of time. “Learning to lead a team has vastly changed my game – it’s no longer solely about my game, my health or my performance. It’s the team that has to keep going.”

The route to preparation has certainly not been easy as captain. Apart from the training routine, it is the captain’s job to deal with off-court financial issues related to equipment and coaching structure to optimize the team performance. “It’s been disappointing yes, I won’t deny it. The institute has been largely unhelpful with constant budget issues that need to be addressed.” CoSSAc has been predominantly supportive of the sports teams however, and Surakshit found the group easy to work with.

What with all the pressure to perform and duties to carry out, he admitted that it had become frustrating and intimidating at times. “I am just a third year student after all”, joked a tired and sore Surakshit after a three-hour session. He welcomed the challenge however and said it was one of the basic things he learnt to deal with in his college life.

“We’re confident of success in BOSM’17 and we will accept nothing less than best” says the proud and confident captain. One wishes Surakshit and his team the very best in their efforts in BOSM’17.