Cricket’s ‘Tiger’,Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi passes away

“He passed away around 6.30 pm. His condition had deteriorated since yesterday. He was suffering from interstitial lung disease (interstitial pneumonitis) which worsens rapidly inspite of the best treatment available,” Dr S P Byotra,Department of medicine in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,where Pataudi was admitted,said.

Pataudi was admitted to the hospital last month.

After investigations,he was found to be suffering from interstitial lung disease,a condition in which the passage of oxygen to the two lungs is less than normal.

“He was unable to maintain his oxygen level in spite of maximal treatment. He continued to remain in the ICU for nearly a month. He had this disease which had been static since the last three months and worsened very acutely over the last four weeks.

“The possibility of lung transplant was discussed very early as soon as his condition worsened but he was not a suitable candidate for it,” the doctor said.

He was being treated by a by a team of pulmonologists and critical care specialists here.

Pataudi,regarded as one of the finest Indian captains,played 46 Tests for the country,scoring 2793 runs for an average of 34.91 with an unbeaten 203 being his highest score.

In all,he smashed six centuries and 16 fifties in his career.

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi: Profile

Following is Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s career timeline.

December 13,1961: Makes debut against England in Delhi,scores 13.

January 10,1962: Scores maiden century in his third Test,113 against England in Chennai.

March 23,1962: Leads India in his fourth Test,in Barbados,thus becoming Test cricket’s youngest captain at the age of 21.

February 12-13,1964: Scores career-best 203 not out against England in Delhi.

February-March 1968: Leads India to their first overseas Test victory in Dunedin. India go on to win an away series for the first time,beating New Zealand 3-1.

January 23,1975: Plays his final Test match,scoring 9 in each innings against West Indies in Mumbai.

Cricket fraternity mourns Pataudi’s death

Indian cricket fraternity today reacted with shock and sorrow on the demise of former captain Mansoor Ali Khan Patuadi,who died here due to lung infection,describing him as a “great human being” and “shrewd leader” who inspired a generation of players in the country.

Former and current stalwarts of the game remembered how Pataudi had influenced their careers in different ways and said his demise has left a void in Indian cricket.

Former opening batsman Gundappa Viswanath described Pataudi as his guide in early years of his career and somebody who had always helped the youngsters.

“It is a terrible news for me,he brought me up and guided me. I can’t even express myself,it is one of my saddest days. He was a great human being,a great cricketer,a great fielder,shrewed captain,it is really sad,” he said.

“He always guided the youngsters,I was very close to him,so I can’t really forget the way he brought me up. He was my first captain under whom I played. Whatever career I had,it stands on him,” he said.

Former captain and current selection panel chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Pataudi was the one cricketer who ushered in style and aggression to Indian cricket.

“It is a great loss for Indian cricket. He is one fellow,so stylish and aggressive. He achieved so much at the age of 21,he played an aggressive brand of cricket. He was very friendly and a fun loving person,he had very subtle and good sense of humour,” said Srikkanth.

“His greatest quality was the way he hit those sixes. He is called Tiger because of his extraordinary fielding at covers. He lost one eye but still went on to score so many runs. He expresses his views but never tried to impose them. One thing I like to inculcate from him is his determination and aggressiveness,” he said.

Former batsman Mohinder Amarnath said that Pataudi’s aggressive attitude on the field rubbed on his team-mates and he was an ambassador of the country wherever India tours.

“It is a sad news. He was a great man and a fantastic ambassador of the country. He was very different from other cricketers who played in 60s and 70s. He brought a lot of aggression in the game. I played under his captaincy. He was a man of few words. He was always positive and often gambled on the field,” said Amarnath.

“He performed amazingly in Australia,he was a very good fielder as good as Jhonty Rhodes and rest. He brought a lot of confidence into the team and we learned a lot from him. He was an attacking player,he used to take the attack even on the most feared oppositions,” he said.

Former opening batsman Arun Lal remembered Pataudi as a cricketer who had always stood for the cause of players,especially for the youngsters.

“He was a very sensible and matured guy. He was such a wonderful person and cricketer,sensitive to the likes of players. I fondly remember he was the first person to come out and help us when we wanted to form cricketers’ association.

It’s a big blow for the cricketing fraternity.”

BCCI pays tribute to Pataudi

The Cricket Board (BCCI) today lamented the sudden demise of former captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi,saying he brought about a revolution in Indian team’s fielding and guided the side to unprecedented heights.

The 70-year-old Pataudi passed away this evening at a city hospital after losing his battle with a lung disease,leaving behind wife Sharmila Tagore and three children,Saif Ali Khan,Soha Ali Khan and Saba Ali Khan.

“I am shocked to hear the news of Tiger Pataudi’s demise. He was an exemplary individual,who guided Indian cricket to unprecedented heights,as batsman,fielder and captain,” new BCCI president N Srinivasan said in a statement.

“He revolutionised fielding standards in the Indian team,and across the country. In an age wherein a draw was considered as good as a win,Tiger Pataudi encouraged his players to go flat out for victory,” he added.

The BCCI president said Pataudi taught Indian cricketers how to come out of tough and challenging situations.

“He was an aggressive batsman who excelled in crisis situations,and showed the nation how to combat adversity. I join my colleagues in the BCCI to express my condolences at his passing away. His services to Indian cricket will never be forgotten,” Sriniasan said.

Bollywood mourns Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s death

Indian film fraternity today expressed shock and sadness over the demise of former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

The 70-year-old cricketer breathed his last here this evening after battling a lung infection. He is survived by wife Sharmila Tagore,son Saif Ali Khan and daughters Saba Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan.

Many took to Twitter to pay tribute to one of India’s finest captains.

“Sad news…Tiger Pataudi passes away,” said Bachchan,who starred with the cricketer’s actress-wife Sharmila Tagore in films like ‘Chupke Chupke’ and ‘Viruddh.’

Lyricist Prasoon Joshi said Pataudi’s death was a great loss.

“I have met him briefly and because I am close to Sharmilaji,we have discussed him and his life many times. All I can say is that it is great loss. I am shocked. God bless him,” Joshi said.

Actor-comedian Boman Irani too tweeted his tribute to the great cricketer. “MAK Pataudi passes away! RIP.”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh wrote,”RIP Tiger Pataudi – True cricketing legend passes away.”

Arbaaz Khan wrote: “RIP Tiger Pataudi. One of the India’s finest captains.”

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur called Pataudi one of the most “corageous cricketers” in the world.

“Tiger has left us. One of the most courageous cricketers the world has known,who took on the fastest bowlers in the world after loosing one eye.

“Deepest condolences to Sharmila,Saif,Soha and Saba,Tiger Pataudi will be missed,one of the biggest icons of my generation,why so early?,” Kapur said.

Actor Rahul Bose recalled being coached by the cricketer once summer.

“Distraught to hear about tiger Pataudi’s demise. He was a great captain,player,gentleman and my coach for a summer. Will never forget him,” Bose wrote.’Rang De Basanti’ star Siddharth wrote,”One of the greatest people I have ever had the good fortune of knowing passed away today. goodbye and RIP,the great ‘Tiger’ Pataudi…”

Musician Vishal Dadlani said,”Tiger Pataudi. A Legend in the true sense of the word. RIP,Sir.”

Pataudi’s death an “irreparable” loss to cricketing fraternity: Cong

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni today paid tribute to former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi describing him a “cricketing legend” and his death “an irreparable loss” to the country especially to cricketing fraternity.

“We will always remember him for his innovative approach in popularising the game in the country,” she said