India's greatest captain Nawab of Pataudi (at least in independent India) passed away. What the best of fast bowling could not do, a lung infection did him in. He was courage personified, be it with the bat, fielding or leading the team.
It is never easy being the son of an illustrious father as the Senior Pataudi had played for England in the thirties and had captained India in the forties. But Tiger Mansur Ali Khan of Pataudi was never one to be shackled by history.
Numbers do not do justice to this great son of India. His attacking style resulted in the spin quartet of India (Chandrashekar, Bedi, Prasanna, Venkatraghavan) dominating visiting teams. His six centuries and great knocks in England and Australia are a testimony to his batting prowess. When a legend like Sunil Gavaskar ranks Pataudi's batting in the genius category, there is nothing more to add.
Pataudi has left so many wonderful moments to cherish, all one can say...Long Live the King...he was Cricket's Emperor.
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