"He is a very positive captain; he is proactive as well as reactive. He is keen to read the game, to get in there, and he never stops thinking about the game, the situation, and trying to turn it to his advantage. He has been very good for the game"

David Gower’s assessment celebrates a captain whose leadership blends optimism with tactical rigor. A “positive” captain sets a tone: he empowers teammates, prefers assertive choices, and frames challenges as opportunities. That mindset matters in pressure sports like cricket, where uncertainty can paralyze decisions and erode morale. Positivity here is not blind cheerfulness; it is a commitment to act with intent.

Proactive as well as reactive captures the essential duality of elite captaincy. Proactivity is seen in setting aggressive fields, rotating bowlers early to shape the contest, or reshuffling a batting order to seize momentum. Reactivity is the rapid recalibration when conditions shift, responding to cloud cover, a softening ball, a batter’s new scoring area, or an injury. The best leaders do not cling to pre‑match plans; they refresh them constantly without losing direction.

Being keen to read the game speaks to situational intelligence. It is noticing subtle cues, changes in pace off the pitch, body language of opponents, the rhythm of an innings, and converting them into actionable plans. Never stopping thinking about the game suggests continuous micro-iterations: a fielder moved two paces squarer, a bowler’s angle adjusted, a trap laid over several overs. This relentless curiosity turns hunches into advantages.

Trying to turn it to his advantage is not mere opportunism; it is strategic optimism, calculated risk-taking calibrated to the moment. Such captains encourage players to think for themselves, creating a culture where initiative flourishes and collective decision-making sharpens.

He has been very good for the game hints at a broader impact. Captains who lead positively and think deeply tend to produce compelling cricket: bolder declarations, livelier field settings, and tighter contests. They elevate standards, inspire younger players, and enhance the spectacle without sacrificing respect for opponents. The result is not only better outcomes for their teams but a richer, more engaging sport for everyone who follows it.