India, Feb. 6 -- Some players don't wear the captain's armband, or flaunt the 'C' next to their name. But they are leaders nonetheless.

This lot, without any official title, belongs to a rare breed of match-winners who by the sheer force of their personality shine through every move they make during a contest. The cameras may not be fixed on them, but they have the knack of reading the opposition's moves to help their team stay a step ahead and break the game open against the odds.

Most successful sports sides have such charismatic characters, who, for their skillset alone, stand out in the team. When the pressure is truly on, their teammates, and indeed the captain, look up to them for a sense of calm and direction.

Like Sachin Tendul...