You are right about Laxman. I feel sad about your outlook for Sachin. Even playmaker / cohesive factor is lost its sheen. In football there might have been some worth as it nulifies two backs to mark the number 10.
I feel sad, very very sad. Earlier it was cos of speculation. Though certain he will do something brilliant and get back into the fold .... I pray for that brilliance to return of the quicker eye.