Former tennis ace Nandan Bal has been appointed coach of the Indian team for Davis Cup in 2004.

Bal, who was entrusted the responsiblity earlier once, will support the team's playing captain Leander Paes, a statement from the All India Tennis Association said on Tuesday.

"This appointment was made as Leander Paes would require help and support," the statement added.

The Dilip Bose awardee has also been deputed by the AITA to observer and will help the Indian players at the ongoing Tata Open ATP Tour tennis championship in Chennai.