Arun Lal in recovery after battling cancer

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

04/23/2016

Former Indian opener Arun Lal is recovering after battling jaw cancer and is hopeful of a quick return to the commentary box. The 60-year old, who has been missing from television for a long while, underwent a 14-hour long surgery in Kolkata on Friday, which included a jaw replacement.

Speaking to the Hindu from a Kolkata hospital, Lal said, "It's a rare and dangerous cancer. The symptoms were detected in time before I went through a rigorous treatment process. Thank God, I have been able to hold my place. It is like a new life. It was tough but I am indebted to the fantastic job by the doctors."

The former Indian opener also talked about the calls he received from close friends and one among them was Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who had fought a successful battle against cancer himself after guiding India to the 2011 World Cup triumph.

"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 said.

Arun Lal played 16 Test matches and 13 ODIs for India scoring 729 and 122 runs respectively. The best Test innings of the right-handed batsman in his seven-year international career came against West Indies in Calcutta(now Kolkata), where he scored a 93.

Fellow-commentator Navjyot Singh Sidhu also wished Arun Lal speedy recovery and said that he is looking forward to seeing the 60-year old in commentary soon.

“I am looking forward to a stint with him, “said Sidhu.

When asked about how soon he could be back in a commentary box, Lal said, “Give me two months.”