14 Things That Made Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi The Real Nawab Of Cricket

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Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was one of the most important cricket personalities of India. Be it his looks or a palatial home, there is a lot to admire and at the same time envy about him. The former Indian captain, who passed away in September 2011, would have turned 76 today. He was a pioneering figure in India's rich cricketing heritage and was one of the first persons to have believed the country can be a force in the sport. Here are 14 things that make him a true 'Nawab' of cricket.

1. A Child Born With A Silver Spoon

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Mansur Ali Khan lived in a palace which had 150 rooms, over 100 servants, seven or eight of whom were personal attendants of Pataudi as a kid. Besides, the palace had huge grounds, stables and garage.

2. The 'Tiger' Came Before Cricket

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Even though former cricketers believe he was called 'Tiger' because of his outstanding fielding skills, Pataudi himself said in his autobiography that "I had a tigerish propensity for crawling energetically about the floor on all fours."

3. Like Father, Unlike Son

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MAK Pataudi's father Iftikhar Ali Khan played cricket for England in the 1930s and was part of the infamous bodyline series and did not endorse the hostile style of bowling in the Ashes. His son MAK, on the other hand, was more enterprising as a cricketer and tried strokes and moves not many would have imagined on the field in those days.

4. Lost One Eye, But Didn't Lose Focus

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In an era when many would've just dreamt of owning a car, Pataudi met with a car accident and permanently damaged his right eye on July 1, 1961. Facing a lot of handicaps, he fought his fears and didn't lose his focus to excel as a cricketer. Only 6 months later, he made his debut for India against England.

5. The Youngest Player To Captain India

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At 21 years and 77 days, he held the world record for the youngest Test captain until he was surpassed by Tatenda Taibu in May 2004. As of November 2015, he remains the youngest Indian Test captain and second youngest International Test captain worldwide.

6. Took India To Their First Overseas Test Win

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Pataudi led India in their first overseas series win in 1967 that came against New Zealand.

7. Not Just Cricket, Had Penchant For Other Sports Too

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Pataudi was an allrounder in real terms, having played other sports too. It has been recorded that he teamed up with Christopher Snell to win the public schools rackets title. He played hockey and billiards for Oxford. Pataudi also played soccer as a midfielder.

8. Married One Of India's Most Beautiful Bollywood Actresses

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In 1969, Tiger Pataudi married Sharmila Tagore, one of Hindi cinema's leading ladies of the time and the two had three children - Saif, Saba and Soha. Sharmila went on to later become the chairman of Censor Board. She also championed the cause of eye donation. After the death of her husband in 2011, Sharmila ensured the left eye of Tiger was donated to Venu Eye Institute, a premier eye hospital in Delhi.

9. A Record-Breaker In County Cricket

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In his four years at Winchester College, Pataudi scored a total of 2036 runs - the last 1068 runs coming in his last 18 innings. In doing so, Pataudi beat the schools record set by English great Douglas Jardine.

10. The Pakistan Connection

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Pataudi had strong family links to Pakistan. His first cousin is Shahryar Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and former Pakistan ambassador to Jordan, United Kingdom and France. Nawabzada Sher Ali Khan of Pataudi, who was a Major General in the Pakistan Army, is his uncle who wanted him to study at Wellington, but Pataudi¡¯s father's wishes prevailed and young MAK joined Winchester College.

11. An Respected Administrator

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Nawab Pataudi was a long-time cricket administrator in various capacities, for the BCCI and the DDCA. At the onset of the IPL, he was part of the governing council of the cash-rich league for the first two years.

12. A Tryst With Politics

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Pataudi, who was born in Bhopal, tried his hand in politics as he stood on a Congress ticket from Bhopal in 1991 but failed to get elected.

13. The Multi-Faceted Musician

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Tiger Pataudi was an expert flute, harmonium and a tabla player while his father was an exceptional sitar player.

14. Honours Galore For India's Jewel

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The MCC decided in 2007 that the Test series between India and England should be called Pataudi Trophy in the honour of MAK Pataudi. In the above pic, he is seen celebrating with the Indian team that won the 2007 series in England. In his honour, the BCCI started the MAK Pataudi Memorial Lecture in 2013 on the same lines as MCC's Colin Cowdrey Memorial Lecture in England which was first delivered by batting great Sunil Gavaskar. The latest edition of the prestigious lecture was delivered by Former India captain Rahul Dravid, who highlighted the importance of junior cricket as he is the current coach of the India Under-19 squad. During his playing career, Pataudi also received the Arjuna Award (1964) and the Padma Shri (1967) before being honoured with the BCCI lifetime achievement award in 2001. He was an Indian Cricket Cricketer of the Year in 1962, and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968.

India takes pride in the rich legacy of Nawab Pataudi!