European sojourn for Moyes?

If I were David Moyes, I would get a little restless. The figure of Sir Alex is looming on him everywhere. At home matches, you go through Sir Alex lane, Sir Alex photos, questions on his legacy, how he would have lined up for that match....and when you are away, you see him in person attending the matches!

Last night at Leverkusen saw Sir Alex hovering in the stands and David Moyes itching to start the game. He would have wanted a strong performance to seal United's progress to KOs before the last round. Can't really say if it was Sir Alex presence or the disappointment of a last-minute goal at Cardiff - United looked sharp.

I was never a fan of Rooney. Don't get me wrong - am not a fan of him because of his attitude. I always wonder if he's ready to jump ship at the first sign of interest. But, this season has been different. I like his hunger on the pitch. He wants to show everyone that he's still the leading marksman for United. Is it to tip the scales in his favour during next summer transfer window? May be, but for the moment am enjoying his surge of form.

Moyes' United still looks patchy and hesitant in the middle of the pitch. Carrick's absence isn't helping things either. But, the early signs of improvement are already there. It has to be noted that United are currently on a non-loss streak of 10 matches. Agreed that we have drawn a lot of matches that we should have won, but at least we have not lost.

It's time to build on this performance and bring the traditional Christmas surge to the top. I'm still counting on a top-4 finish (and no title) this season which would still be a huge achievement for David Moyes. Probably then, Sir Alex can stay at home. His presence is nerve-wracking, still...for players, managers, opponents and viewers alike!

Next is Who?

There was a time when most of my generation dreaded even the thought of this...Sachin Tendulkar retirement!

'Sachin ka score kya hain' reverberated through millions of Indian homes for most part of the last 25 years. TV sets felt relaxed to see him get out...they might get rest after all! Schools and offices wore a deserted look when Sachin's at the crease. He was simply irresistible for the cricket loving and god making Indian fraternity. He was their lord of dreams...one who would paint their dreams blue on the cricket field.

Was his retirement as big a shock to the Indians as was expected, probably 5 years back? I seriously doubt! The emergence of the next gen players (read, Virat, Rohit, Dhawan) coupled with his prolonged form loss made him, for the first time in his life, a disposable asset. I am an unabashed Sachin fan(atic) but even I felt he was dragging his career a little.

But, as they say, the value of something gets into fore only in its absence! The true value of Sachin may be rearing to show its colours in the upcoming overseas tours. Are we braced for this? Will this generation be blessed to see another 'Sachin'?

The answer to the first is relatively easy. The advent of new talent and the improved professionalism in matching talent to opportunities in the Indian cricket makes me feel that we are transition-ready. It would not be immediate, neither would it be smooth...there could be road blocks, there could be morale-shattering losses; but, players like Virat Kohli, Cheteswar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane are ready to make a mark. And I certainly believe that we are better placed for post-Sachin era now than 5 years back.

Will we see another Sachin? A plain answer would be 'No' but a diplomatic answer would be 'Very difficult'/ The advent of cash-rich T20 leagues and the fast pace of the modern game may not see someone loving his country for so long in all the formats. We may see an ODI Sachin (Virat may be the one) and a Test Sachin(Alaistair Cook may be the one) but the overall package of Sachin Tendulkar is difficult to be seen.

The transition is on, for the Indian team and the fans alike!