Former Ranji player from Jharkhand Santosh lal took his last breath on Wednesday in Indraprastha Apollo hospital, Delhi while undergoing treatment for acute pancreatitis. lal was Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s childhood friend.
He had been admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital on July 12, and then airlifted to Delhi on Sunday. His close friend Rakesh, along with a junior doctor from Apollo Hospital, Ranchi, accompanied Santosh.
His coach Chanchal Bhattacharya said, “We have lost a very good cricket player. He was a disciplined player. He joined Gossner College along with Dhoni in the year 1999 where I was their coach. I still remember Santosh had scored 106 runs in the finals of University Session Match and after this victory he was selected for Ranji Trophy. I went to meet him when he was in hospital where he wanted to say something but he was unable to talk.”
lal was the one who is said to have helped Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to invent his famous helicopter shot. He was working with Railways and before this he used to play for Mecon and CCl. Dhoni was in constant touch with Santosh’s family members and was helping his childhood pal in every possible ways and was bearing the cost of his treatment.
JSCA president Amitabh Chaudhary said, “This is very sad news for everyone. He was a very good player. It is a huge loss for Jharkhand. MS Dhoni was very close friend of Santosh lal and made a lot of effort for his treatment but unfortunately could not save his friend. Santosh will always be remembered for his excellent performance.”
lal’s body was taken to lady Hardinge Hospital for autopsy and then flown back to Ranchi. CCl paid floral tribute to late Santosh lal. On behalf of Gopal Singh, chairman-cum-managing director of CCl, Adil Hussain, manager (sports) and Anupam Kumar Rana, assistant manager (PR) paid floral tribute and dedicated wreath to late Santosh lal, who played for CCl between 1999 and 2003, on Wednesday.