Legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi put on ventilator

The condition of former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who is suffering from lung infection, continues to be critical today.

"Mansur Ali Khan continues to remain critically ill in the ICU. He is on very high level of oxygen support requiring intermittent Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP). He is conscious and his cardiac function remains stable. He is being monitored very closely," a bulletin issued by the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here said.

Pataudi, 70, was admitted to the hospital last month following severe lung infection.

After investigations, he was found to be suffering from interstitial lung disease, a condition in which the passage of oxygen to the two lungs is less than normal.

"He is suffering from a disease which does not have proper or permanent cure. It takes time for the patient to recover," a doctor with the hospital said.

He is being closely monitored by a team of pulmonologists and critical care specialists, the bulletin said.

Pataudi, regarded as one of the finest Indian captains, played 46 Tests for the country, scoring 2793 runs for an average of 34.91 with an unbeaten 203 being his highest score.

In all, he smashed six centuries and 16 fifties in his career.