Tiger and the horses

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi wears a warm smile on his lips. “I’ve retired,� he says with a mischievous smile which suggests that he’s not about to give up the simple pleasures of life.
The high point of the Nawab’s s indulgences these days is to be seated comfortably at the polo ground, enjoying the battles between men on horseback. Polo, reveals Tiger, is an undying passion.
“Polo is one sport I’ve taken keen interest in ever since I stopped playing cricket in 1977.Both my grandfather and father were ardent polo players. My father breathed his last playing polo,� recounts Pataudi.
All talk of polo is a synthesis of tragedy and passion. “My mother loved the game — the Nawab of Bhopal and Pataudi Polo Trophy, the final of which will be held at Jaipur Polo Grounds on November 10, was set up in her memory,� says Tiger. He recalls nostalgically the days he went horseriding in Delhi. His love for polo notwithstanding, one can hardly separate cricket from the Pataudi name. Tiger was recently named as head of the cricketers’ association.
I love playing grandfather to Saif’s children,� reveals Pataudi. As for daughters Sara and Saba settling down, Pataudi is in a lighthearted mood. “They can find husbands for themselves and I’ll arrange the marriage!�he laughs.