'After Sachin, can't see anyone playing 200 Tests again'

It's no secret that Sachin Tendulkar is going through a lean patch.

The 'Master Blaster' has scored just 186 runs in 11 matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Even in the preceding series against Australia – that India won 4-0 - he wasn't at his best.

Forget numbers, the manner in which he has struggled at the crease in recent times doesn't befit a player of his stature.

Having turned 40, the legend is clearly past his best. And though he brought curtains down on his one-day career late last year – ahead of the home series against Pakistan – he continues to remain available for Test selection and regularly features for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

There are many who have called for Tendulkar to retire while others opine the decision is best left to him.

However, if Brett Lee is to be believed, the batting ace should reach one impending milestone before he calls it day.

"If a guy has played for over 20 years of international cricket he deserves the right to play his 200th Test match," said Lee.

"Hopefully, he does get his 200th Test match, because I can't see it ever being achieved again," he added.

Tendulkar has featured in 198 Test matches and will reach the landmark when Team India tours South Africa later this year.

"There is a lot of media saying he should move on, he should stand down.

"But I believe if he keeps scoring runs and keeps batting well, then he should be able to go out on his own terms. I think it is only fair," explained Lee.

The tearaway Australian quick, who scalped 13 wickets in his debut Test series against India (1999-2000) but couldn't get Tendulkar – then the captain - out even once, was generous in his eulogy of the legendary batsman.

"He is a legend, the most prolific run-scorer in the world and a great role model," said Lee, adding, "He has been a hero of mine while growing up.

"He is like a good bottle of red wine that keeps getting better with age. I would love to see him play more, but it is up to the great man to say when he wants to hang his boots up."  

Lee, who dismissed Tendulkar five times in the 76 Test matches he featured in, will again have the opportunity to face his old nemesis when his Kolkata Knight Riders take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium on Tuesday.