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Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi 84th Birth Anniversary: Despite losing his right eye in an accident Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi went on to score 2793 runs for India, racking up six centuries and 16 fifties.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was, arguably, one of India’s greatest captains. (File pic)
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi 84th Birth Anniversary: The whole of India celebrates legendary skipper Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Khan’s 84th birth anniversary today, January 5. The Nawab of Pataudi was, arguably, one of India’s greatest captains. Taking over the reins of the senior squad in his early 20s, Tiger Pataudi led India in 40 Test matches.
He helped shape the squad’s character, making his teammates believe winning was possible. In his tenure as captain, India won their first overseas Test victory against New Zealand in 1967.
After a stellar international career, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi retired in 1975. He passed away on September 22, 2011, due to respiratory failure.
When Did Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Lose His Eye?
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi lost his right eye on July 1, 1961. He was involved in a car accident in Hove, England.
The legendary skipper was in the passenger seat of the car driven by his teammate Robin Waters.
An accident led to a shard of glass from the broken windscreen penetrating and permanently damaging his right eye.
Tiger Pataudi played the entirety of his international career with one eye. He represented India in 46 Tests. Before passing away in 2011, Pataudi donated his left eye.
10 Interesting Facts About Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
- Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s lineage dates back to the 16th century when his ancestor, Ali Khan, migrated from Afghanistan to India.
- The legendary batter earned the nickname ‘Tiger’ for his aggressive personality and fielding skills.
- The Pataudi family’s cricketing genes run deep as his father Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi played Test cricket for England.
- Tiger Pataudi is also the first cousin of Shahryar Khan, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
- Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi married Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore in 1968. Two of their three children, Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan followed Sharmila’s footsteps into the world of acting.
- Despite losing his right eye in an accident Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi went on to score 2793 runs for India, racking up six centuries and 16 fifties.
- Tiger Pataudi’s academic journey saw him move to England. He studied at Winchester College, where he honed his cricketing skills.
- Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s prowess wasn’t just limited to cricket. He played multiple other sports like hockey and football in his youth.
- Tiger Pataudi’s accident didn’t stop him from making his Test debut. Just six months after losing his right eye, Pataudi defied all odds to mark the beginning of an illustrious career.
- At just 21 years and 77 days of age, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi became India’s youngest Test captain in March 1962.
