This is a very sad day for me. Whatever career I have had, is only because of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.
He was a godsend.
He moved from Delhi to Hyderabad and playing in close quarters, he spotted my talent and this was one of the reasons why I made my Test debut so very early.
Pataudi and M.L. Jaisimha were the two pillars of my career and Pataudi’s knowledge of the game was unbelievable. His background itself was such — he studied in Oxford and captained Oxford University and Sussex in county cricket. He was one of the best fielders I have ever seen. He was always ready to help the youngsters in the team and would make them aware of their responsibilities.
Pataudi took the Indian team into a territory that was unknown at that point of time. Back then, winning Test matches was not easy for India.
‘Tiger’ brought in an aggressive style, like that of his batting, into the Indian team and always looked to win. He always looked to dominate from the start and at every opportunity would go for victory. It is true that we also lost a few matches because of this, but it also earned India’s first overseas series victory.
He captained in 40 Tests out of the 46 he played, which showcased his captaincy skills. He was a great human being, a great cricketer, a great fielder and a shrewd captain. I will take a long time to get over his loss.
(As told to P.L. Aravind)
The nawab of cricket
*Youngest Test captain at 21, vs England in Delhi, 1961
*Last Test as skipper: vs West Indies in 1974-75 at Mumbai (India lost)
*Highest Score: 203 not out vs England in 1963-64 at Delhi (Match drawn)
*Award: Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1968
*Led India to first overseas Test victory at Dunedin in 1967-68.
*ICC Match Referee: Two Tests and 10 ODIs.
*His funeral will take place at Pataudi village on Friday.