Brave Hearts

SR No.: 006999
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation
Publication Year: 2009
Total Pages: 162
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 37

The Brave Hearts
centuries in a row, Pataudi had created a sensation in the world of cricket. His father Iftikhar Ali was holding the record of consecutive four centuries for Oxford University. While playing against Glamorgan County, the Junior Pataudi was out against the bowling of Jim Mackonan for one run, a run short because of which he could not equate the feat of his father. And yet, he had impressed everyone by his brilliant and forceful game. The leading cricket critic of England E. W. Swanton then wrote:
"In the canopy of heaven of cricket, the bright star of Pataudi is shining very brightly."
The cricket writers club of England honoured Pataudi by giving him the award of the 'most promising young cricketer'. Every time he played the achievements of his father stared at him. As captain of the Oxford team, Pataudi had scored 1216 runs in a year. His father had scored a fighting 1307 runs in 1931 which was a record for the Oxford University. The son was short of just 91 runs to equal that record. He still had three more matches to play. All eyes were on Pataudi, junior and everyone's expectations for him were very high.
Just at that time an unfortunate event took place in the cricketing career of Pataudi which created a ripple in the world of cricket. The fear that this fast shining cricket star would suddenly fall apart, gripped the lovers of the game.
It was the first day of the month of July 1961. On that day Pataudi had fielded the whole day in a match against Sussex. After dinner, he was returning to his lodge with his friends. It was a beautiful evening. The breeze coming from the sea filled the atmosphere all over. Robin Waters, the wicket-keeper of the Oxford University team was at the wheel. Suddenly a car came rushing out into the middle of the road. The two cars
36