I am one of those people who appreciates the great minds of the game of cricket. These are the people who have maintained the charm of this great game despite its commercialisation. These people have made great captains in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

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. What I want to see in a captain is someone who can lead from the front, be the last man standing. Take the boos in a defeat and be modest in victory. A thinker, innovation being his middle name, and a "fight to 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 someone to look up to.

In this regard, my all-time favourite captain has been Stephen Fleming of New Zealand. The guy may not get credit with his modest record like others might, but he has always been there, in the best possible way, for his team. He didn't have the best players in the world around him, but Fleming made sure that each man performed to his top potential. If they were 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.

It's a game and one of the teams will lose. But in order to watch good cricket you like to see someone like Fleming on the field ordering his troops around. All his career, he has been known for his creativity. Strange fielding positions, strange bowling changes, new ball bowling with spinners, whatever. 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 Daniel Vettori has become under Fleming. 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.

Fleming has just announced his retirement from the first-class game after the England series. He will be missed for his innovations and creativity in the game. Thats how I will remember him.

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