Former India opener Arun Lal recovering from 'rare and dangerous' cancer

Kolkata, April 23: Former India opener Arun Lal is recovering from a "rare and dangerous cancer" at a Kolkata hospital.

According to a report in "The Hindu" newspaper on Saturday (April 23), Lal had been diagnosed with jaw cancer in January this year.

"It's a rare and dangerous cancer. The symptoms were detected in time (in January) before I went through a rigorous treatment process. Thank God, I have been able to hold my place," Lal told the newspaper from a Kolkata hospital.

"Obviously it is like a new life. It was tough but I am indebted to the fantastic job by the doctors," Lal added talking about a 14-hour surgery on replacing the jaw.

The 60-year-old said he "got calls from close friends". India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who recovered cancer, too had spoken to Lal.

"I know what it feels like because I have been through this. It's nice if you can share someone's pain and help him overcome it. I always try to understand the mindset of the patient because it mentally defeats you," Yuvraj was quoted as saying in the report.

Lal played 16 Tests and 13 ODIs for India. His highest score in Test cricket was 93. He hit 6 Test half centuries and 1 fifty (Highest score - 51) in ODIs. He played Ranji Trophy for Delhi and Bengal (156 first-class matches, 10,421 runs with 30 centuries). After retiring, he took up television commentary.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly took to Twitter to express his wishes to Lal, who is fondly called "Piggy".

"Piggy we love u ... U will be up again and talking cricket.. Ur gods child," Ganguly tweeted.