Paes-Bhupathi split causes heartburn among tennis veterans

India's former tennis stars have expressed shock over the second split between the country's star doubles combination of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, but said it was inevitable as they failed to 'fully patch up' after previously parting of ways.

"It's a very sad development. We're all feeling sorry. They formed a great doubles team which has brought so many laurels to the country," former Davis Cup coach Akhtar Ali said.

Pointing out that India had scripted very few success stories on the sports field, Ali said the duo had become role models for many aspiring sportspersons.

However, in retrospect, Ali felt that the duo should not have separated the first time around two years back as they were then high on success.

"I don't know why they decided to split at that time. It is always difficult to restore mutual faith in a second innings," he said.

Echoing Ali, former Davis Cup non-playing captain Naresh Kumar said, "I think they never really patched up. They were seemingly not going along well and that might have resulted in their dismal performance of late.

"I know it is very unfortunate for the country. But, maybe, they felt that they would not be able to cope up with each other," he said.

He, however, expressed happiness at the 'Indian Express' decision to play doubles together for the country in the Davis Cup.