Cricket fraternity mourns Pataudi's death

New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Indian cricket fraternity on
Thursday reacted with shock and sorrow on the demise of former
captain Mansur Ali Khan Patuadi, who died here due to lung
infection, describing him as a "great human being" and "shrewd
leader" who inspired a generation of players in the country.
Former and current stalwarts of the game remembered how
Pataudi had influenced their careers in different ways and
said his demise has left a void in Indian cricket.
Former opening batsman Gundappa Viswanath described
Pataudi as his guide in early years of his career and somebody
who had always helped the youngsters.
"It is a terrible news for me, he brought me up and
guided me. I can't even express myself, it is one of my
saddest days. He was a great human being, a great cricketer, a
great fielder, shrewed captain, it is really sad," he said.
"He always guided the youngsters, I was very close to
him, so I can't really forget the way he brought me up. He was
my first captain under whom I played. Whatever career I had,
it stands on him," he added.
Former captain and current selection panel chairman
Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Pataudi was the one cricketer
who ushered in style and aggression to Indian cricket.
"It is a great loss for Indian cricket. He is one fellow,
so stylish and aggressive. He achieved so much at the age of
21, he played an aggressive brand of cricket. He was very
friendly and a fun loving person, he had very subtle and good
sense of humour," said Srikkanth.
"His greatest quality was the way he hit those sixes. He
is called Tiger because of his extraordinary fielding at
covers. He lost one eye but still went on to score so many
runs. He expresses his views but never tried to impose them.
One thing I like to inculcate from him is his determination
and aggressiveness," he said.
Current India batsman Rahul Dravid said Pataudi's
illustrious career made a great impact on the game and on the
Indian team.
"It is a sad day for Indian cricket, he was an
inspiration for us. I never had the chance of seeing him play
but I always heard how big an impact he made on the game. I
had the chance of interacting with him on various issues. He
was extremely knowledgeable, he deeply cared about Indian
team. It is such a loss not only for his family and friends
but also for Indian cricket," he said.
Dravid's India team-mate VVS Laxman felt Pataudi's legacy
will continue even after his death.
"It's a sad moment for cricket fraternity. It's shocking
news to me as only few days back I met him in England. I have
never interacted with him on cricketing techniques but he had
a great cricketing acumen and a very knowledgeable person,
given the amount of experience," Laxman said.
"His record speaks for itself. May his soul rests in
peace. I am confident his legacy will continue. He had a lot
of passion for Indian cricket. His knowledge and acumen about
cricket will definitely be missed," he added.
Pataudi's one-time team-mate Bishen Singh Bedi described
him as the "foremost outstanding champion of Indian cricket".
"Very sad day for the Indian cricket. He was the foremost
outstanding champion of Indian cricket. With his sad demise,
that chapter is closed now. I am too shocked to react to this
news," said Bedi.
Former captain Dilip Vengsarkar remembered Pataudi as an
"innovative" captain who had won many matches for the country.
"It's a sad news. He was a great player, fantastic
captain and an outstanding fielder. He was a gutsy player and
an innovative captain. He won many may matches for India. We
are going to miss him," he said.