Name Hindi: मंसूर अली खान पटौदी / Gender Man
Introduction to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, affectionately known as Tiger Pataudi, was an iconic cricket player from India who revamped the face of Indian cricket in several aspects. An exceptional sportsman and remarkable leader, he infused a robust spirit into the Indian team during his tenure as a captain.
Brief Overview of His Early Life
Born on January 5th, 1941, at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, India to Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Sajida Sultan Begum, Pataudi hailed from a lineage of rulers and cricketers. Following his early education at Minto Circle in Aligarh and Welham Boys’ School in Dehradun, he pursued higher studies at Winchester College in England where he began playing cricket competitively.
Cricket Career and Achievements
Early Days and Inspiration
Inspired by his father, who himself was a cricketer for both England and India, he developed an interest in cricket from an early age. His exploits at Winchester College led him to become one of the very few Indians to represent Oxford University.
- In 1959, while still studying at Oxford, he made his debut for Sussex becoming the first ever Cricketer of Indian origin to captain an English county side.
- Pataudi’s promising career nearly came to an abrupt halt when he lost sight in one eye due to a car accident just six months before making his international debut. However, against all odds, he chose not to give up and adapted his game according to the limited sight he now had.
International Career and Captaincy
Pataudi made his international debut for India in 1961 against England where he scored an impressive half century. Owing to an injury to the then captain Nari Contractor, at a very young age of 21, Pataudi was handed over the reins of Indian Cricket team making him the youngest ever Test Captain which he continues to be till this date.
- At that time Indian cricket was suffering from factionalism among players based on regional lines; however, under Pataudi’s leadership, the team became more integrated and started playing as a cohesive unit.
- In 46 Tests matches he led, India won nine—still renowned as memorable victories in Indian cricket history.
- In addition to being an excellent leader, he also proved himself as a proficient cricketer scoring over 2800 runs inclusive of six centuries during his career which spanned over a decade.
Personal life and Legacy
Pataudi married Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore in 1968, with whom he has three children: Saif Ali Khan (now a successful actor), Soha Ali Khan (an actress) and Saba Ali Khan (a jewellery designer). Post retirement from professional cricket, he served as a cricket analyst & commentator and also held responsibilities such as chairman of ICC’s Cricket Committee and managing committee member of BCCI. On September 22nd, 2011, Pataudi passed away due to respiratory failure leaving behind a storied legacy.
