New Delhi, September 22
The recently-concluded Test series between England and India was also the last time Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was seen at a public forum.

The rather slipshod manner in which India’s youngest-ever Test captain was treated on the dais while presenting the Pataudi Trophy to the winning side had added some unsavoury seasoning to an already bitter tour. But Nawab sahab was above these small things, opting not to get into any controversy.

A man of immense personality, the Nawab of Pataudi was as candid and concise as always when speaking on television about the manner in which the Indian team was playing. As always, there was no mincing of words, just of shade of a crooked smile and a trace of cynicism as he spoke, the trademark of a man of class.

Pataudi had made Indian cricket look good. Apart from his debonair appearance, polished with Oxford University education and royal credentials, he also added elements that have become a vital part of cricket in India and around the world. Pataudi was a livewire fielder, something of a rarity in Indian cricket not just in his time, but also for several decades after he retired.

In addition, he also brought an element of aggression to the goings-on. He liked to win and his record reflected his desire to use India’s strength - their spinners - to get things going their way. Apart from recording India’s first-ever overseas Test win, in New Zealand in 1968, as well as a series win there, Pataudi also was one of the pioneers of aggressive batting, going completely against the textbook at times to play lofted shots.

Pataudi’s achievements were even more remarkable given the fact that he had impaired vision in his right eye, a result of an automobile accident. That, along with the fact that he played in the pre-helmet era of cricket, with no restrictions on the number of bouncers fast bowlers could bowl on uncovered tracks, made his record that much more impressive.

It was this fast bowling battery that laid Indian captain Nari Contractor low in the West Indies in 1962, after being hit on the head by Charlie Griffith. Pataudi became captain of India in just his fourth Test at age 21.

What current day cricket fans would recall about him, however, would be his no-nonsense comments. During one series, with India winning everything in sight, the Nawab was asked if the team was a cohesive unit. “Any team that is winning, is always cohesive,” was his response.

Pataudi brought class and competitive spirit to Indian cricket. He also brought a fair amount of class to the interpretation of the game, never going overboard with criticism or praise. His on-field average was not the best in the business, but he will always be regarded as one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket.