25 Unbelievable facts about Indian cricket

India has always been a cricket-crazy nation. Cricket is one sport that gets the entire country united irrespective of various differences. While the sport is adored by a few, it is worshipped by a few others. People who don't watch the sport much are also drawn into it in the country and such is the popularity of cricket.

Ever since India made its debut at the international stage in 1932, there have been several records shattered. Many players created several records. Apart from these laurels, there are a few intriguing facts about Indian cricket which are quite mind-boggling. Here is a collection of such most astounding truths.

1. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi - The only cricketer to play for India and England

Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi was the 8th Nawab of Pataudi. He is the grandfather of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. His son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi also represented the country and led the team. IAK Pataudi was born on 16 March 1910 and lived till 1952.

In his cricketing career, IAK Pataudi played 6 Tests - 3 for England and 3 for India. Between 1932 and 1934, he plied his trade for the English cricket team. Later, when the Indian team toured England in 1946, he led the team in three Tests against the same team for which he played earlier.

In 10 Test innings, IAK Pataudi scored 199 runs at an average of 20. He registered one century in his career. Also, he has got massive experience playing in first-class cricket. He played 127 games and scored 8,750 runs at an average of 48.60. He struck 29 centuries in first-class cricket in that day and age. The former captain is regarded to be one of the finest cricketers the country ever produced. His ill-health, however, didn't allow him to continue playing cricket for a long time.