Hero in addiction

Your cover story package, 'Hero to Zero' (October 27) was crisp and good to read. It beautifully tells us that heroes too are liable to err. And Shiv Vishvanathan's thoughtful words "global heroes come with a cautionary note - use before expiry date" bear a clear message for hero worshippers. One should know that the goal of achievement is satisfaction. And there is no end to the hunger for things like fame. Yet one should try and put a stop to it somewhere before stumbling knowingly or unknowingly. The remark by the sociologist that one waits to see who the next hero on the firing line could be, should raise many an eyebrow across the world. But it's true.

R Deshpande, via email

Twilight testing

There is some excitement in the air with the ICC giving a thumbs up to day-night Test matches (' Finally, Big Boys Will Play At Night', Sports, November 3). However, cricket purists (like me) are probably not enthused. They visit the stadium on a balmy morning to soak in the sun as much as the atmosphere. Also flocking to the stadium for five consecutive evenings would require loads of patience. Besides, the swing which bowlers get in the mornings due to factors like overnight moisture may be sorely missed. The concept has more to do with making Test cricket more TV friendly in the late evenings, and, in this way, I guess it makes better commercial than cricketing sense.

Vijai Pant, via email

Indian reservations

'From America, Mitt Love' (Cover story package, November 3) made for very interesting reading. It offered ample insight as to what Romney and Obama have to offer to America and the world at large. But as far as India is concerned, no mention was made by any of the Presidential candidates in any of the debates. This proves what importance both of them attach to relations with India. It is a fact that no US president has had anything substantial to offer to India in the past - except for hollow promises. Pakistan remains the US's blueeyed boy. India has to bear this in mind and work to be stronger, more self sufficient and look to strengthen its relations with other nations.

A Pawaskar, via email