Stephen Fleming is an Ex-cricketer and New Zealand coach. He was born on April 1st, 1973. He is known for his extraordinary skills and achievements having led his country to win a series of trophies against the west indies and so many other countries.

Fleming retired from playing cricket on March 26th, 2008. He played multiple times especially for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2008 Indian Premier League after being signed for US$350,000 and then in 2009 he became team's coach. Fleming was signed as coach of the Melbourne Stars of the Big Bash League in February 2015.

Career:-

In 1994 Paul Fleming played his first Test Match in Hamilton against India in front of his home crowd.

In 1997, Fleming scored his maiden Test Century in Auckland where he scored 128 runs against England. He replaced Lee Germon at the age of 23 and became the youngest ever captain for New Zealand.

He was in the limelight since the very beginning of his career. He thrived in his opening match itself. He is known for his gracefulness in his shots and is noticed for his flick off the pads, straight drive, cover drive, and cut shots.

New Zealand won their only ICC Trophy during Fleming's time as the captain, the ICC Knockout in 2000. He is primarily applauded for his great work as a good captain.

Fleming secured his third double-century in a test between South Africa and New Zealand at Cape Town and in April 2006 he became the first Kiwi to achieve that feat. At an average of 39.22, he scored 353 runs in the 2007 World Cup and he was recognized as New Zealand's second runner up in the tournament. In tests, he has taken a total of 170 catches and also the 3rd highest aggregate for a non-wicketkeeper.

Fleming retired from the cricket game in 2002 and since then he has represented and coached a lot of T20 teams around the world. Most recognized is the Chennai Super Kings, where he has achieved incredible success and enjoyed many victories and others at large.

Playing style:-

Paul Fleming was a great and elegant left-handed batsman who played shots such as straight drive, cover drive, flick off the pads and cut shots. He was also a smart and very reliable captain and his field placings for many batsmen like Damien Martyn at a point and his great captaincy made the opposition struggle for their runs. He represented his team so well in close-in positions and was as well an amazing slip catcher.

Conclusion:-

An exceptional leader, Fleming is generally known as one of the most incredible modern skippers of recent decades, a great planner with swift moves. Fleming during his time led a conspicuous collection of players into a group who could take over the responsibilities with time and make their mark in the international games.

Despite all the setbacks and problems he encountered, he kept on going, he is really a legend of his time.