The international cricketing community today marked the 85th birth anniversary of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (MAK Pataudi), one of India’s most influential and charismatic sporting figures. Known affectionately as ‘Tiger’, the former captain is remembered not only for his tactical brilliance but for instilling a newfound sense of belief and aggression in the Indian national side during the 1960s. Social media is flooded with tributes for the former Indian cricket team captain. MAK Pataudi Birth Anniversary: A Look At 7 Photos of Former Indian Captain.

BCCI Remembers MAK Pataudi

Rajeev Shukla's Post for Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

'Most Dynamic India Captain'

'Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi'

A Revolutionary Leader

Pataudi’s impact on Indian cricket was transformative. Appointed captain at the age of 21 in 1962, he became the youngest person to lead a Test side at the time. His appointment came during a period when the Indian team was often viewed as defensive and prone to playing for draws.

Under his leadership, India achieved its first-ever overseas Test series victory, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in 1967-68. He is widely credited with shifting the team’s focus towards high-quality fielding and the strategic use of spin bowling, a blueprint that defined Indian cricket for decades to follow.

Triumph Over Adversity

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Pataudi's career was his resilience following a life-altering car accident in 1961. Just months before his Test debut, a shard of glass from a broken windscreen permanently damaged his right eye.

Despite suffering from doubled vision, he adapted his technique and continued to play at the highest level. He scored nearly 3,000 Test runs and six centuries with just one functional eye—a feat often cited by modern cricketers as one of the greatest examples of mental fortitude in the history of the sport.

A Lasting Cultural Icon

Beyond his sporting achievements, the Nawab of Pataudi was a cultural bridge between the worlds of Indian royalty, cinema, and sport. His marriage to the veteran actress Sharmila Tagore in 1969 created a high-profile union that captivated the public and remains a significant part of his public identity.

Pataudi passed away in 2011 at the age of 70, but his influence persists through the Pataudi Trophy—the prize for Test series played between England and India—and the annual memorial lecture established by the BCCI in his honour.

As the cricketing world reflects on his 85th anniversary, he remains an emblem of grace and courage, remembered as the man who taught an emerging nation how to win.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 12:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).