Pataudi conquered world cricket's most fearsome bowlers with one good eye. He is no more but the eye will cont... Read More

NEW DELHI: Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi conquered world cricket's most fearsome bowlers with one good eye. He is no more but the eye will continue to live, because the legendary cricketer had decided to donate it. Dr Sumit Ray , vice-chairman, critical care medicine at Sir Ganga Ram hospital , where Pataudi breathed his last, confirmed this.

He said that the left eye of the legendary cricketer was retrieved within hours after his death - with the family's consent - and has now been preserved in the hospital's eye bank. Pataudi's right eye was damaged permanently in a car accident when he was 20 years old.

"Pataudi had expressed his desire to donate the eye about a week ago when he was fully conscious. On Thursday morning, his wife Sharmila Tagore informed us about it. Accordingly, the family's consent was taken and after his death the organ was retrieved," said Ray. He added that no decision has been taken yet on who the beneficiary would be. "His eye was fully functional and it can be transplanted," said another doctor.

The 70-year-old cricketer was diagnosed with a debilitating lung infection - idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - at Sir Ganga Ram hospital few months ago. No reason could be cited for the disease, which is irreversible in nature.

"He was admitted on August 29. After more than two weeks when his condition deteriorated, he had to be shifted to the ICU. But he was able to talk and take light food. The condition deteriorated further on Wednesday evening when he said he was feeling drowsy and gradually lost consciousness. He passed away at around 5.55 pm on Thursday due to respiratory failure leading to cardiac arrest," said Ray.

Dr Neeraj Jain, treating doctor and senior consultant and chairman, pulmonology (chest medicine) said, "The possibility of lung transplant was discussed very early as soon as his condition worsened but he was not a suitable candidate for it."

Hospital sources said that Sharmila Tagore was staying at the hospital regularly for the last 20 days along with his two daughters. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor visited the hospital often. "The whole family was hopeful of good recovery and they kept encouraging Tiger Pataudi. He himself was cheerful and hopeful. But after he fell unconscious on Wednesday, there was sadness all around and the both the daughters couldn't stop crying," said a source.

Pataudi's body has been kept in the mortuary and is likely to be taken to Pataudi (near Manesar) early Friday morning for last rites.