Arun Lal on the recovery path following jaw cancer surgery

It may come as quite a shock to hear that former Indian batsman and commentator Arun Lal was diagnosed with cancer recently. Further reports suggested that the type of cancer that was diagnosed was jaw cancer and that Lal was on the path to recovery following the surgery. Speaking exclusively to The Hindu, the former Indian batsman stated that it was indeed a rare type of cancer disease and that he went through a rigorous process for the subsequent treatment.

“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,” he said in a tone that reflected his grit.

It was indeed a silent cancer diagnosis, something that had been kept away from the media publishers and the commentary box, a place where the name Arun Lal is very prominent. The latter mentioned that it was like having a new lease of life.

“Obviously, it is like a new life. It was tough but I am indebted to the fantastic job by the doctors,” said the 60-year-old.

“I got calls from close friends,” said Lal, who played Ranji Trophy for Delhi and Bengal.

Yuvraj Singh, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011 also showed moral support and sympathy for the recovering Arun Lal.

Yuvraj said: “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.”

Fellow-commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu said: “I am looking forward to a stint with him.”