Ajit Wadekar, MAK Pataudi: The game and two fine gentlemen

A star royal, MAK Pataudi, is controversially removed as the Indian cricket captain. A middle-class Maharashtrian, Ajit Wadekar, is appointed in his place, largely due to a decisive vote from an influential Mumbaikar, Vijay Merchant.

That era is long gone and all three men have passed away. Yet, the Pataudi-Wadekar relationship remains a subject of intrigue among cricket fans. Both were seminal captains.

Pataudi led India to its first series win abroad — in New Zealand in 1968. Wadekar was the topscorer. And then Wadekar captained India to famous triumphs in the West Indies and England in 1971. In a final twist, Pataudi returned as captain in 1974, while Wadekar’s India career ended. Despite the many awkward interpersonal situations they navigated, Wadekar and Pataudi, by most accounts, had a cordial relationship.


For insight, we called Pataudi’s wife, Sharmila Tagore. However, she refrained from commenting. Perhaps it’s best left to the two departed souls.