Tiger Pataudi: A Nawab and a captain!

The last Nawab of Pataudi and heir to the Nawab of Bhopal, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, also nicknamed 'Tiger Pataudi', went on to be described as the 'India's greatest cricket captains' by contemporary and former cricketers of his time. If only being an erstwhile Nawab and the captain of the Indian Cricket Team wasn't enough, he went on to marry Sharmila Tagore, the film actress from Tagore family (yes, Rabindra's Tagore family).

Tiger in action (Source: The Statesman)

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, nicknamed Patudi Jr had quite a life. The young Nawab, upon birth, became the prince of Pataudi and later of Bhopal, inheriting the Nawabi. He served as the titular Nawab of Pataudi till 1971 when the provision of the privy purse was abolished along with the recognition accorded to them by the Indian Constitution.

In cricket too, he touched great heights as he went on to become a batting legend and led the Indian Cricket Team, heralded as one of the greatest India has ever had. He was also an extraordinary fielder of his time.

It's alleged that Pataudi had to pursue Tagore for four years before she finally said yes. And once she did, they were the most impulsive couple.

One of the lesser-known anecdotes about his life is that just six months before he made his debut for the Indian team, he was involved in a car accident, where a piece of glass got into his right eye and permanently damaged it. It was speculated that this unfortunate moment would mark the end of his career, as he now saw a double image through his left eye. However, he returned to play within 6 months of his injury and performed exceptionally well, scoring his maiden century against England at Madras, which helped the team notch their first-ever victory against the English. One of his idiosyncrasies was that he played with his cap pulled down over his right eye, as that made it easier for him to focus on the delivery.

He played 46 matches for India and served as the captain for 40 of those. He became Indian Cricketer of the Year in 1962 and was named the Cricketer of the Year in 1968 by the famous cricket almanack, Wisden.

A family laden with erstwhile as well as democratic aristocracy, Mansoor was one of the greatest Indian Captains of his time.

His personal life was also a success; his love story with actress Sharmila Tagore was the talk of the town on the hay day. They got married in December '68 and had three kids who went on to make a name for themselves as well- Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Saba Ali Khan.

You might have heard about the blackbuck poaching case where Saif Ali Khan was involved. Well, to tweak the saying a bit, like son, like father- Tiger Pataudi too was involved in a Blackbuck poaching case, when he went out hunting in 2005. He later died during the legal proceeding, but six people were convicted and his name was acquitted.