BCCI pays tribute to Pataudi

The Cricket Board (BCCI) on Thursday, lamented the sudden demise of former captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, saying he brought about a revolution in Indian team's fielding and guided the side to unprecedented heights.

The 70-year-old Pataudi, passed away on Thursday evening at a city hospital, after losing his battle with a lung disease, leaving behind wife Sharmila Tagore and three children, Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Saba Ali Khan.

"I am shocked to hear the news of Tiger Pataudi's demise. He was an exemplary individual, who guided Indian cricket to unprecedented heights, as batsman, fielder and captain," new BCCI president N Srinivasan said.

"He revolutionised fielding standards in the Indian team, and across the country. In an age wherein a draw was considered as good as a win, Tiger Pataudi encouraged his players to go flat out for victory," he added.

The BCCI president said Pataudi taught Indian cricketers how to come out of tough and challenging situations.

"He was an aggressive batsman who excelled in crisis situations, and showed the nation how to combat adversity. I join my colleagues in the BCCI to express my condolences at his passing away. His services to Indian cricket will never be forgotten," Sriniasan said.