Legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi died today evening in New Delhi after battling with a severe lung infection. He was admitted in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for the last 4 weeks. He was 70.
"He passed away around 6.30 pm. His condition had deteriorated sinceyesterday. He was suffering from interstitial lung disease (interstitial pneumonitis) which worsens rapidly inspite of the best treatment available," Dr S P Byotra, Department of medicine in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said.
Pataudi was one of the greatest cricket captains India has ever produced. Pataudi was born on 5th January 1941 in Bhopal, nicknamed Tiger, was a former Indian captain.
Pataudi was a right-hand batsman and a right-arm medium pace bowler. Pataudi played in 46 Test matches for India between 1961 and 1975, scoring 2793 runs for an average of 34.91 with an unbeaten 203 being his highest score.
In March 1962, Mansoor was elected as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He was the youngest Indian test captain ever at age of 21. Under Pataudi’s leadership India achieved their first Test victory in foreign soil (New Zealand).
The India-England Test series trophy has been named in his honour.
Pataudi is survived by wife Sharmila Tagore and three children Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Saba Ali Khan.