Sadly, cricket captain Tiger Pataudi has died. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (real name), the eccentric Indian athlete, was the country's youngest and most memorable cricketer.
There are very few icons of any sport that come along and leave a lasting impact on the sport. Pataudi is among a handful of athletes revered, not only for what they did in the game, but what they did for the sport of cricket.
Despite being stricken by a serious eye injury from a vehicle accident, the 21-year-old Pataudi went on to become the youngest captain of the Indian Test team.
He brought a sense of will and pride to the sport -- even with a handicap that impaired his vision. And from 1961 to 1975 he played in 46 Test matches, and was instrumental in nine important victories.
Furthermore, when the team was in a clinch situation, they turned to their captain Tiger Pataudi for a winning cricket score.
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was in the right place at the right time, when he became the Indian Test team's youngest cricket captain at 21. Then, an unfortunate accident involving the team's regular captain Nari Contractor gave Pataudi his moment -- and boy did he shine.
His timing was like Tiki Barber's when he took advantage of a retiring Rodney Hampton in 1997. He too left an indelible mark on the sport, albeit with the NFL.
The visionary Indian Test team captain scored over 2700 runs, averaging 35 with six centuries under his belt.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments in cricket history was when Tiger Pataudi scored a 75 against Australia during the 1967-68 season -- with one eye, and one leg.
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi left the sport of cricket in 1975, but went on to become a referee in match games from 1993 to 1996.
Recently, Patudi's health took a turn for the worse. As a result,he checked into a Delhi hospital for treatment. However, according to an ESPN affiliate, he died from complications of lung disease at 70.
The aristocratic cricket player is survived by his spouse Sharmila Tagore, two daughters, and a son, three of whom are Bollywood actors.
On what he meant to the sport: "It's a sad day for Indian cricket," said Mohinder Amarnath, another well-known Test team player.
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