New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS): The condition of former Indian cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who has been hospitalised for acute lung infection, deteriorated Thursday, doctors attending to him said.

"His condition has deteriorated since Wednesday and he is unable to maintain his oxygen level in spite of maximum treatment. He continues to remain in the ICU (intensive care unit)," said Neeraj Jain, senior consultant and chairman of pulmonolgy (chest medicine) at Sir Gangaram Hospital in central Delhi.

Pataudi, 70, was admitted to the hospital in August with acute lung infection. The condition does not allow normal passage of oxygen to both the lungs. The patient breathes out more carbon dioxide during infection.

"This disease....had been static since the last three months. It worsened very acutely over the last four weeks," Jain 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," he added.