Soha Ali Khan pays homage to her father, Dad Mansoor Ali Khan, on the anniversary of his birth at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Among India’s greatest commanders was the Nawab of Pataudi. Even though he lost his sight in one eye in an automobile accident, he was already captain at the age of 21 and had led in 40 of 46 tests. Pataudi won Wisden Cricketer of the Year after guiding India to their first-ever test series victory on the road. His best innings came in 1967–68 in Melbourne against Australia, when he hit 75 on one leg and one eye. 1975 saw his retirement from cricket after the West Indies tour of India.
While on vacation in Australia, Soha Ali Khan, her actress-husband Kunal Kemmu, and their daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu toured the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A picture of the three was posted by the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, showcasing Soha’s visit to the “hallowed turf” where her father, cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, used to play.
It is a joy to have Kunal Kemmu and Soha Ali Khan visit the ‘G. The caption said, “Soha, an actress and author in her own right, visited the sacred ground where her father once played. She is the daughter of former Indian captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.”
On the same field, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi scored 85 runs in a test match in 1968. Interestingly, January 5th also happens to be Tiger Pataudi’s (a nickname for him) 83rd birthday.
Soha posted on Instagram, saying, “It seemed only natural to honor and celebrate Abba on his birthday today by going to The Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of his favorite locations to play. Although he hit several hundreds in tests, many believe that his 75 at the MCG in 1967–68 was his best innings, on par with any century. Due to a strained hamstring, he was unable to execute his typical front-foot strokes and hooked his way up to India’s total of 162, with India at 25 for 5. In Wisden Asia Cricket’s ranking of the best 25 Indian test innings, his 75 that day ranked No. 14—”An innings played with one leg and one eye.” ️ Happy birthday, Abba.
