Lee-Hesh can do it at London: sports psychologist Dr BP Bam

It's a tried, tested and in recent times, failed partnership but renowned sports psychologist Dr BP Bam felt the AITA selection committee has got it spot-on in picking Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to represent India in the doubles event at next month's Olympics.

Perfect high-five: Mahesh Bhupathi (left) and Leander Paes during the ATP World Tour finals in London on November 26, 2011. Pic/AFP

In fact, Bhupathi has even gone on to slam AITA's move, terming it to be ‘in the worst interest of the country' and further agreed to even being banned by the body for refusing to partner Paes. Bam however felt that the duo'sunquestionable skills and professionalism could see them garner success in London.

"In doubles players have to gel together not only as a team, but their approach too. Leander and Mahesh have formed the most successful pair for Indian tennis still date. It's this experience that the selectors have taken into consideration while picking these two professionals to play together in London and it is this experience that could see them do well too," Bam told SUNDAY MiD DAY.

Dr BP Bam

Bam further drew on his experience of having worked with some of India's top cricketers. "People talk about Leander and Mahesh's differences affecting their game but I don't think that's true. If it were, then how is it that even sworn enemies can sometime go and on and forge some of the biggest cricketing partnerships?

Paes and Bhupathi are multiple Grand Slam champions and it takes a huge amount of professionalism to do that. It's this professionalism that has seen them gel together in their numerous comebacks together. They gel like no other. This time too, once they have made up their mind and put on that India jersey, they will not think of anything beyond tennis. And that will only be good news for India," said Bam.u00a0