Friday 15 February 2008

Tribute to Stephen Fleming - One of the Greatest captains of All-Time

I am a person who appreciates the great minds of the game of cricket. These are the people who have maintained the charm of this great game even amongst the commercialization of it. These people have in the past and will keep making great captains in the future as well.

When I see a captain, I want to see someone who is a leader. Not just someone who wins matches or plays well. That category is for the stars. When I want to see a captain, I want to see someone who can lead from the front, be the last man standing. Take the boos in a loss and be modest in a win. A thinker, innovation being the middle name, and fight till the last ball or wicket attitude. Make everybody play to their best. Now that is a true skipper.

Bottom-line, I want to see someone who is a complete personality and some one to look up to.

In this regard, my all-time favorite captain has been Stephen Fleming. The guy may not get credit with his modest records as others might but this guy has been there in a best possible way a guy could be for his team. With not the best players in the world around him, Fleming made sure that each player plays to his top potential. If they are able to do that then he would go home content. Winning or losing is part of the game but playing it well is what the true cricket lover wants to see. Fleming ensured that cricket watchers got their money's worth.

Its a game, one of the sides will lose. But in order to watch good cricket you would like to see someone like Fleming on the field ordering his troops around. All his career, he has been known for his creativity. Call it strange fielding positions, strange bowling changes, new ball bowling with spinners and what not. Stephen Fleming is your captain for a team that isn't filled with superstars.

When required, leading from the front, opening the innings. Top standards of fielding and then nurturing young players. Look what Vettori has become under him. He is the next captain and those are some big shoes to fill. Talent needs to be nurtured and used correctly. Fleming has made it happen for the Kiwis.

Just read that he retires after the England Series. He will be missed for his innovations and creativity in the game. Thats how I will remember him.

2 comments:

straight point said...

greatest i doubt but yea he was good captain who managed resources very well...had he got good support from crains and later bond in terms of injury free career... his record could have been better...

Anonymous said...

Lovely... excellent captain who made use of the potential of his bench strength.

Cronje is another good dude on the captaincy front... rest in peace.