Obituary: Naresh Kumar
Former Indian Davis Cup player and captain Naresh Kumar died at the age of 93 in Kolkata on 14 September.
Kumar, who was a mentor to Leander Paes and an influential figure in Indian tennis, competed for his nation in Davis Cup on 17 occasions between 1952 and 1960, compiling a 26-20 win-loss record across singles and doubles.
He reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 1955 – 13 years before the advent of the Open Era allowed professionals to compete at the Grand Slams – and also reached the quarter-finals in men’s doubles at the All England Club in 1953, 1955 and 1958 and the last eight of the mixed doubles in 1957.
We have come to know about the sad demise of Indian Tennis Legend and former Davis Cup Captain Naresh Kumar. It's an irreparable loss to Indian Tennis. We pray for his eternal peace and our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world.#Team_AITA. pic.twitter.com/n5PuTI9evT
— All India Tennis Association (@AITA__Tennis) September 14, 2022
Kumar retired in 1969 with five titles to his name but continued to be heavily involved in tennis through coaching, writing and commentary.
Kumar held the role of Indian Davis Cup captain between 1989 and 1993, overseeing eight victories in the 11 ties he was at the helm.
He famously gave a 16-year-old Paes - who would go onto become India’s most successful Davis Cup player in terms of most wins (93), most doubles wins (45), and ties (58) and years (30) played - his Davis Cup debut in their clash with Japan in 1990. Paes and partner Zeeshan Ali made a notable debut - winning 18-16 in the fifth set to clinch the decisive point of the tie.
Kumar is survived by his wife Sunita, son and two daughters.