Former Indian captain, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, suffering from lung infection was pronounced dead on Thursday in a Delhi Hospital. He was 70 and had been admitted to the hospital last month. He was known to be recovering well until his health suddenly deteriorated and he lost his life.
Tiger Pataudi dies
His wife Sharmila Tagore and three children along with thousands of fans, cricketers, friends and acquaintances all came to mourn the death of the hero and pay their respects.
He led team India through an incredible journey in cricket, becoming the youngest captain of the team at the age of 21. His courage, dedication and efforts all lead India to great victories. Having an eye malfunction just a couple months before he was made captain, he still rocked the cricket field with just one fine eye.
Former cricketer Imran Khan came to his funeral and commented that just with one eye he was a fantastic player and captain, it is truly commendable and that it was unfortunate that he had to play most of his career without his eye, which he had lost in an accident in England.
But Khan was just one of the countless fans and admirers of Pataudi who are still morning his death. There were many known celebrities, sports personalities, friends and well wishers along with his wife Sharmila, son Saif and his daughter Soha present at his residence in Delhi to perform the last rites.
He was a style icon and a heartthrob for hundreds in the country.Pataudi reigned his time in the Indian cricket team, leading and achieving. He belonged to a royal family and was nicknamed Tiger after his excellent throwing and catching.
From the years 1961 to 1975, he played 40 matches and won nine of them where he led the team. His average run rate was 34.9 runs and he continued to show excellent performance in each of his match. He is remembered for his captaincy, fielding, and as a tremendous batsman. He was one of the most charismatic, energetic and heroic captains that India has ever had.
His body was moved to the Pataudi village where his last rites were performed. It was the same place where he was buried at around 2 pm on Friday.
People have the same things to say about Pataudi: he was a true tiger, a dynamic personality and there will never be another like him.
Tags: Cricket, Imran Khan, India, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Tiger Pataudi
