'Pataudi knew the game inside out'

“Just a few weeks ago I saw him on TV present the Pataudi Trophy to England (at The Oval) and now I hear this news. I can’t comprehend it at the moment. It’s a great personal loss to me,” he remarked.

The off-spinning great felt Pataudi had great vision as a cricketer. “He knew the game inside out, and not many claim to have that,” he pointed out.

“He was the one captain who understood the strength (spin) of Indian side and nurtured it carefully. He was a dream captain for any spinner. It was during his time that the Indian cricket team began to be noticed for its onfield performances. He was aggressive, charismatic and above all a great visionary.”  

“I think it’s a great loss to Indian cricket. He was a wonderful human being and a cricketer. For me, he changed the complexion of Indian cricket and brought a different dimension to fielding with an agility and alacrity that was rare for an Indian cricketer during those days.”