Pataudi's death is a great loss to Indian cricket, says former spinner Prasann

Bangalore/ Mumbai/ New Delhi, Sep 23 (ANI): Former ace spinner E A S Prasanna expressed his deep grief at the death of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who as captain of Indian cricket team played a key role in his career in the international arena.

"As far as I am concerned, it is extremely painful, unbearable and most importantly about few weeks ago he was there giving away his Pataudi Trophy to the winning English side against India in England and I can't believe that within three weeks time that he is not there and I think, it's a great loss to Indian cricket," said Prasanna.

He also stated that the Tiger was one of the finest gentlemen and was very generous in his attitude.

Meanwhile, senior office bearers of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) too conveyed their sad feelings.

"Really shocking for us to get this news that he (Pataudi) is no more. It has happened so suddenly actually. One of the best captains that India has seen, his great knowledge about the game, the way he interacted in whatever BCCI meetings when he was called as a captain to give his views, I think we will all miss him. It's a loss to Indian cricket," said Ratnakar Shetty, Chief Administrative Officer, BCCI at Mumbai.

Pataudi, regarded as one of the finest Indian captains, played 46 Tests for the country, scoring 2,793 runs for an average of 34.91 with an unbeaten 203 being his highest score.

In all, he smashed six centuries and 16 fifties during his career.

Pataudi is survived by his wife celebrated actress Sharmila Tagore, son Saif Ali Khan and daughters Soha Ali Khan and Saba Ali Khan. (ANI)