Jaideep Mukherjee wants Leander Paes to retire from international tennis

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Bengaluru, Feb 5: One of India's most successful doubles tennis players Jaideep Mukherjee was not surprised with the defeat of Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan in the doubles match against New Zealand in Davis Cup on Saturday, February 4.

Davis Cup: Sitak-Venus pair beat Paes-Vardhan

Mukherjee was asked whether Leander could create history by winning the 43rd match to become highest doubles winner in the history of Davis Cup.

Mukherjee doubted saying: “After having watched his performance on Saturday I feel it will be difficult for him to win the coveted match. Leander seems to have lost his speed.

"He also seems to have his brilliant court coverage which also covered the partner's fault on the court. I feel time Leander has been saturated.

"He has given India a lot of trophies and memorable wins. But he does not seem to fit anymore."

He added: “If I say that Leander must be axed from the Indian team for the Davis Cup, I will have to face a lot of criticism.

"But it is a reality that Leander does not deserve a single more match to be in the Indian team. That is why I want he should retire."

Commenting on Leander's defeat in the doubles the former player said: “Vishnu was impressive. But none of the players had preparation before the match.

"It was true that Saket Myneni got injured at the last moment and Vishnu was called. Still I feel Vishnu should have been called on much before this match."

Mukherjee rather suggests that Leander now should start thinking over joining coaching permanently.

He said: “Leander can be one of the country's best coaches in near future if he joins full-time coaching. His passion should be utilised properly.

"Who can say that in near future another Leander does not come in making under the coaching of Leander Peps?"

OneIndia News