Here’s why Saif Ali Khan was angered by Geoffrey Boycott

It might seem bizarre as to how the English batsman Geoffrey Boycott ended up triggering Indian film actor Saif Ali Khan. However, the connection becomes clear if you are aware of Indian cricket in the 60s. Saif Ali Khan’s father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi represented India from 1961 to 1975. Handed captaincy of the Test team at a young age of 21, MAK Pataudi remains one of the most influential Indian Test captains.

With a royal family background, Pataudi completed his education in England. He led his school team and earned a reputation for his batting skills. At the age of 16, he achieved a first-class debut for Sussex. Five years later, in a tragic car accident, Pataudi lost his right eye. Despite the handicap, the braveheart batted with only one eye and created an enduring legacy.

Playing cricket with only one eye intact was unheard of. Putting his mind over matter, Pataudi amassed 2,793 Test runs with six centuries for India. There were sceptics too. One of them was Boycott. The legendary English batsman once doubted Pataudi’s injury in front of his son, Saif. The actor narrated the incident while he was speaking live with Sportskeeda Cricket.

“[Geoff] Boycott, who I really looked up to, made me really angry one day. He said, ‘I heard about your father, it’s not possible to play Test cricket with one eye.’ I asked him if he thinks my father is lying, to which he replied, ‘Yes! I think he’s making it up. I told my father that, and he got really annoyed. He said, ‘Well, I was bloody good with two eyes. I’m just good with one.’ That was the only arrogant remark I ever heard him make.” 

Pataudi passed away in 2011. Their family name survives in international cricket in the form of the ‘Pataudi Trophy’. India’s Tests in England against England constitute the Pataudi Trophy. Mansoor Ali Khan’s father Iftikhar Ali Khan was the only cricketer to represent both England and India in Test cricket.