Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, one of India’s most esteemed and influential cricket captains, passed away at 70 on September 22nd, 2011. Mansoor was born in 1941 in Bhopal, the son of the Nawab of Pataudi. He studied at Modern School, Delhi, and later at Winchester and Oxford, England before returning to India in the early 60s. Mansoor began playing for India at the age of 21 and instantly made his presence felt in the cricketing world. He was known for his quick reflexes and sharp wits, and his leadership on the cricket field inspired a new level of passion in the game. Mansoor captained India in 40 Tests, where he displayed his tactical mastery and his flair for powerful batting despite being visually impaired. He led India to eight Test wins, and it was under his leadership that India won its first ever Test series against England in 1971. His career highlight came in 1985 when India lifter the World Championship of Cricket under his captaincy. Mansoor was also an avid writer, and wrote extensively about the sport he loved. He served as a member of the Cricket Club of India and Board of Control for Cricket in India. In 1967, Mansoor married actress Sharmila Tagore and the couple had three children - Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who will always be remembered as one of India’s finest cricket captains, will be deeply missed.