Dravid's decision is right

Sir, — Individual milestones and records are secondary when compared to team interest. Rahul Dravid, at the helm, took the right decision to declare the Indian innings, though Sachin Tendulkar, at the crease, was a stroke away from a double hundred during the India-Pakistan first Test in Multan.

Even though I am a great admirer of Sachin, I wish to point out that he shouldn't have aired his views in the interest of the team. I also request the media not to probe deep into this issue and create a wedge among the players.

S.Varadarajan, Bangalore

Sir, — This is with reference to Rohit Brijnath's article, "The battle against double standards" (April 3rd issue). I am an admirer of Rohit's column, but I am afraid this article is influenced more by his current residency in Australia rather than any objectivity. Rohit talks of how Ganguly failed to censure Irfan Pathan when he was rude to Martyn. The same way, we Indians criticised Steve Waugh for not admonishing Michael Slater during Australia's tour of India in 2001. While the players' conduct was not sporting, there is a world of difference to these two episodes.

First, Irfan did not mouth any expletives as the "ugly" Slater did. Secondly, Irfan was punished by the match referee, whereas, if my memory is right, Slater went scot-free. It is such double standards that is bothering the fans in the sub-continent.

When Rohit tries to project the loftiness of Ricky Ponting's diktat to his players to walk, one is really amused. Not long ago, viewers watched in TV how Ponting abused our genial Srinath when the latter enquired of his well being, after Ponting was hit on the head by a Srinath special. Now Ponting and the other Aussies have realised that the bulk of funding for cricket comes from India. They do not want to miss the pot of gold.

Behavioural standards are improving with the present ICC code of conduct. However, the code will lose its credibility unless it is applied uniformly across the cricketing globe.

P.S.Mony, Mumbai

Sir, — Thank you The Sportstar and Paul Fein for the excellent article "Who is the greatest player ever?" This piece is undoubtedly one of the best on tennis. The everlasting debate should come to a conclusion for sometime now. Every aspect was so categorically taken and compared between players of different eras and various generations so as to remain least prejudiced. Pictures were apt for the story.

The article was full of fascinating facts and figures. Some of them were revealing to me. Acknowledging the greatness and heroics of the heroes of yesteryear — Bill Tilden, Pancho Gonzalez and Jack Kramer — was a great learning experience. The feature is a fitting tribute to all these ranked (in your top 10) and unranked players. The box story "Whither Andre?" made interesting reading, plus the quote section `Paeans to the champions' just made it simply a perfect feature. I cherished reading it more than once.

Rajendra Parihar, New Delhi

Sir, — India defeating their arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in Pakistan (Multan Test) is very special and will be remembered for long. Sehwag, who scored a brilliant triple century, first by an Indian, was a treat to watch. When this man is on song, bowlers will have to dance to his tune. Kumble, Pathan and Balaji bowled very well. Our Indian bowlers have always been underestimated, but if you look at their performances, for the last one year, they have been consistent.

Dravid did a good job as captain, though he could have given Sachin the opportunity to complete his double hundred. Sachin should have taken this sportingly, instead of voicing his views.

Pankaj Kumar, Chennai

Sir, — I have been an avid reader of your magazine for the last 10 years. I congratulate you on your excellent coverage of not only national events but also international fixtures such as F-1 racing. The feature on the top 10 tennis greats with their statistics was a treat for a tennis fan like me.

P. V. Chaitanya Varma, Manipal

Sir, — I and all my family members have been reading The Sportstar for more than a decade. I love collecting the Posters. The magazine gives a wide range of coverage from national to international events. Even after following sports in newspapers and television, we eagerly wait for your magazine.

Hats off to Team Sportstar for its good show.Aditya Sharda, Secunderabad