Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's 1961 Car Crash: Daughter Saba Reflects on 'What Might Have Been'

Saif Ali Khan’s sister, Saba Pataudi, recalled the tragic car accident her father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, suffered in 1961. The mishap left the legendary cricketer with a serious injury to his right eye.Taking to her Instagram stories, she shared a heartfelt note about the incident, “To think if this had not happened, what might have been…”Tragic accidentAfter Tiger’s match against Sussex at Hove on July 1, 1961, he and four of his Oxford University teammates stepped out for some Chinese food. On their way back, their car met with a serious accident. A splinter from the windscreen pierced his right eye, leaving him hospitalised with a severe injury.Lost one eyeDespite losing the use of one eye, Pataudi’s spirit remained unshaken. He quickly adapted to the limitation and continued on the cricket field. But, he not only created new records, he also went on to become the captain of the Indian cricket team.Remembering the LegacyMarking his death anniversary, his daughter and actress Soha Ali Khan paid tribute to his inspiring journey. She recalled the proud moment when her father became the youngest Test captain of India and looked back on the remarkable legacy he left behind.Moreover, she also paid an emotional tribute to her late father. Taking to her official Instagram handle, she shared a series of throwback pictures of the legendary cricketer, captioned simply yet beautifully: “Today and always, My Abba.”Along with the photos, Soha also penned a heartfelt handwritten note that read, “To Mr Tiger, Happy Barsie! I love you… You are very funny, joyful, cool, and you have a big heart.”To make the tribute even more special, she posted an old video clip from one of her father’s interviews, recorded after he was appointed captain of the Indian cricket team. The video carried the text, “Eve of 1974-75 WI series”.