New Delhi, Sep 22: Ex-Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (Jan 1941-Sep 2011) passed away today on Thursday, Sep 22.

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was shifted to ICU after he was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital following a lung infection.

According to a bulletin released by the hospital, 70-year-old Mansoor Ali Khan was critically ill and was put on high level oxygen support and required intermittent BIPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure).

He was also being observed by a team of critical care specialists and pulmonologists, the bulletin had said.

Pataudi was admitted to the hospital in Aug end and was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, a medical condition where the oxygen passage to lungs is less than normal.

"He is suffering from a disease which does not have proper or permanent cure. It takes time. The patient in such cases breathes out more of carbon dioxide," a doctor had said earlier about the ex-cricketer.

Sources revealed that Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Pataudi's son and his actress girlfriend Kareena Kapoor visited Pataudi at the hospital on Sept 22. His score of 75 in 1967-68 against Australia in Melbourne scored on one eye and one leg is considered to be his finest innings.

Pataudi was born in Bhopal on 5 Jan 1941 and famously called Tiger. He played 46 Tests for India scoring 2,793 runs with 203 being his highest score.

Pataudi at the age of 21 became the youngest captain to lead India in Test cricket. Pataudi had a successful career despite losing his right eye in a car accident. He also captained Sussex and Oxford University during his career.

After retiring in 1975 he became a match referee between 1993-1996, but he predominately kept himself away from cricket administration.

He married Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore on 27 Dec 1969 and is survived by his three kids, Saif Ali Khan, a Bollywood actor, Soha Ali Khan a actress and Saba Ali Khan, a jewellery designer by profession.

OneIndia News