‘Kiwi mastermind’ plays a knowledge test at IIT-M

Fleming turned quizmaster recently, as he hosted the Kiwi Mastermind India, a quiz contest at IIT Madras. Speaking about New Zealand’s increasing popularity as an education destination, Fleming, the brand ambassador for Education New Zealand, said, “We have some great universities and institutions. We have a good number of students coming down. Our country and government is proactively trying to make Indian students think of New Zealand as a destination to further their careers, from an education point of view. My job is to raise awareness among institutions in India and talk about the possibility of having some courage and trying something new, like coming to New Zealand and experiencing the way of life which you’re never going to forget. This experience can be just as important as the education.” 

Fleming, who had been the coach of the popular home team Chennai Super Kings (CSK), enjoys a huge popularity in the city.  The former Kiwi captain said Chennai is now home to him. “I’ve spent many years here in Chennai and had great opportunities with the IPL. You get to know the area a lot better when you’re here for a while. My time in Chennai is something that I will look back on very fondly. It is certainly nice to be back. Chennai and India  is home away from home since I spend three-four months every year,” he said. 

Fleming shares a close rapport with Indian captain MS Dhoni, who formerly captained CSK and now, Rising Pune Supergiants. “I’ve been lucky to spend some quality time  with the man over the last 8-9 years. He’s what you see and he’s pretty much what everybody knows about him. It’s a joy to spend time with a quality cricketer and quality individual,” smiled Fleming, adding that he’s looking forward to watch the biopic on Dhoni, starring Sushant Singh Rajput. “Dhoni will probably send some copies of the movie over,” said Fleming, who now coaches Rising Pune Supergiants. 

On New Zealand’s upcoming tour to India, Fleming pointed out that the visitors have quite a challenge ahead of them. “If India play on the right tracks, New Zealand will take time to adjust. But we have the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. If they score enough runs, they can put the pressure on India. But given the form showed in West Indies, I think India certainly start as favourites,” said the cricketer. So, who’s Fleming’s favourite Indian cricketer? “I think Sachin Tendulkar is great but I’m a fan of Rahul Dravid,” he signed off.