7 Interesting Facts You Should Be Knowing About Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, India's Youngest Test Captain
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi is a name that stands out in the history of Indian cricket. Popularly called Tiger, he was our youngest skipper at 21 when he took over the reins in 1962. Handsome, elegant and charming, his personality was reflected in his batting. Despite playing with just one eye, it did not hamper his ability in any way. Apart from being a skipper and batsman, Tiger was also one of the best fielders India had ever produced in the 1960s. He would prowl in the covers and getting the ball past him was a big task. The man was quick on his feet and would do everything in his power to prevent the ball from going to the boundary. While his career may not have elevated him to that level of greatness as many legends, the fact remains that Tiger was an important factor in Indian cricket.
1. His father Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi played Test cricket for England
2. The nickname Tiger came from his energetic crawling on all fours as a toddler
3. His roots can be traced to Ali Khan, who came from Afghanistan to India in the 16th century
4. He is first cousin to Shahryar Khan, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board
5. Both his son Saif and daughter Soha followed their mother Sharmila Tagore's profession of acting
6. Lost his right eye in a road accident
7. Studied at Winchester College in England