Brave Hearts

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation

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The Brave Hearts
India could then level the series with New Zealand.
In 1970 the Australian team was touring India. In the very first test played in Bombay, Pataudi scored a stylish 95 runs. The following year, India toured both the West Indies and England (1971). But due to his prior engagements in his occupation, Pataudi could not join the Indian team on the twin tours. In the year 1972-73, the English team toured India. The Indian batting side collapsed like a pack of cards before an average English bowling side. Just then Pataudi was recalled for the third test that was to be played in Madras. He had no hesitation to play under the captaincy of Ajit Wadekar who was his junior in cricket. A good player always loves the game more than anything else. Pataudi showed his full form in this match, so much so that the Indian team regained its called selfconfidence. Even the weak middle-order Indian batting side appeared quite strong on the ground. Pataudi sent the spin bowler Pat Pockock twice to the fence consecutively in a single over, while in his subsequent over he scored one four to the mid-wicket and one six on the long-on to gather in all 10 runs in a single over. By hitting Pat for a six, Pataudi also registered a half century in the innings. He had scored 73 runs in the innings and was popularly nick-named as the 'Nawab of Chepak'.
In 1974-75, the West Indies team came to India under the leadership of Clive Loyd. The Indian team that had visited England in the year 1974 under the leadership of Ajit Wadekar had lost all the three tests very badly in a row. The morale of the Indian team was completely shattered. Pataudi was recalled to take over the captaincy once again, a rare occurrence for Indian cricket. This was recognition of his ability and grit. As it was impossible for him to constantly play cricket in those days, it became difficult for him to prove his
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