Family members of Santosh Lal in Ranchi mourn his untimely demise on Wednesday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Mahendra Singh Dhoni — the man of many a moment in world cricket — has lost a friend, philosopher and guide.

Santosh Lal, a willow warrior in his own right who taught Team India skipper Dhoni his famous helicopter shot, died of pancreatitis at a New Delhi hospital on Wednesday morning.

Lal, a resident of Ranchi and former Ranji cricketer, was only 30. He is survived by his wife and three-year-old daughter.

In Dhoni’s own submission in the past, Lal had first exposed him to the tactical innovation called helicopter shot — particularly high-scoring in death overs — during their gully cricket days.

The two grew up playing together and shared a good rapport all along. Later, Lal bagged a job with the railways, while his bosom friend reached the summit of world cricket.

An all-rounder, Lal played a total of eight first-class matches and had two half centuries to his credit. He had debuted in Ranji (first class) in 2004, playing against Himachal Pradesh.

On July 12 this year, he was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Ranchi after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.

At Dhoni’s behest, Lal was airlifted to Delhi on Tuesday evening for better treatment, but did not survive the noble gesture.

“Lal was diagnosed with problems in multiple organs, including kidney and liver, besides pancreas. Mahi made arrangements for his treatment in Delhi, but could not save him,” said a JSCA member and a common friend.

Dhoni is, currently, on tour to the US.

“But, he has been in regular touch with Lal’s family members. He had been bearing all medical expenses of his friend,” the official added.

On Sunday, the state cricket association too had donated Rs 1 lakh for treatment. “All members made individual contributions too. Lal’s death is unfortunate for the cricket community of Jharkhand,” said Manoj Kumar, vice-president (district), JSCA.

A condolence meeting was held at the JSCA international stadium in Dhurwa on Wednesday afternoon. Sources said that the authorities were mulling a trophy in Santosh Lal’s memory. The news could not be officially confirmed.

Lal’s body reached his home in Ranchi in the evening. Relatives, friends and cricketers arrived in droves to pay their last respects.

“He was as good a human being as he was a cricketer. He was soft-spoken and ever ready to help his friends. We are deeply saddened. He was so very young,” said former cricketer and JSCA member Chanchal Bhattacharjee.