Who was the first One Day International (ODI) captain of the Indian men's cricket team?

Introduction / Context:
One Day International (ODI) cricket began in the early 1970s, and India played its first ODI during this period. The identity of the first ODI captain is an important factual detail in Indian cricket history and frequently appears in exam questions. This question asks you to name the player who led India in its first ever ODI match.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The format is ODI cricket, not Test cricket.
• The team is the Indian men's national cricket team.
• We are asked for the first ODI captain, not the first Test captain.
• Options include Ajit Wadekar, Bishan Singh Bedi, Nawab of Pataudi, Vinoo Mankad, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Concept / Approach:
India played its first ODI against England at Leeds in 1974. Ajit Wadekar, who was then also a Test captain, led India in this inaugural ODI. Therefore, Ajit Wadekar is recognised as India's first ODI captain. The other names listed either captained in Tests at different times or made their mark as specialists without holding this exact first ODI captaincy record.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the first ODI involving India took place in 1974 against England.Step 2: Recall that Ajit Wadekar was the captain for that match.Step 3: Compare this with other famous captains: Nawab of Pataudi and Bishan Singh Bedi are known more for Test leadership.Step 4: Recognise that Sunil Gavaskar became captain later and was not the first ODI captain.Step 5: Select Ajit Wadekar as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
One way to verify is to think of the sequence of Indian limited overs cricket in the 1970s. The ODI format was new, and India's early captains were drawn from its Test leadership. Sources on Indian cricket history explicitly state that Ajit Wadekar captained India in its first ODI, which cements his place as the answer to this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bishan Singh Bedi captained India in Tests and ODIs but only after the earliest matches. The Nawab of Pataudi was a distinguished Test captain earlier, before ODIs became common. Vinoo Mankad was an all rounder from an earlier era and did not captain India in ODIs. Sunil Gavaskar led India later in both Tests and ODIs but was not the first ODI captain. Therefore, none of these options fits the specific “first ODI captain” requirement.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse the first Test captain (C. K. Nayudu) or famous later captains with the first ODI captain. Another error is to assume that a more famous name like Gavaskar or Pataudi must be the answer without remembering the specific year 1974. Anchoring the fact that Ajit Wadekar captained both Test and ODI sides in the early 1970s helps avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The first ODI captain of the Indian men's cricket team was Ajit Wadekar.