Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is garnering praise from all quarters for setting an example of courage and determination.
The 29-year-old spent two nights in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), battling severe chest infection, before taking the field for his country against Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final in Dubai on November 11.
Rizwan’s indomitable spirit and his recovery also left Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen, who treated the cricketer, astonished.
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"Mujhe Khelna he. Team ke saath rehna he, (I want to play and be with the team)," Rizwan told the doctors who treated him in the ICU.
Opening the innings, Rizwan scored 67 off 52 balls to help Pakistan post 176/4 on the board, which Australia chased down with five wickets in hand and an over to spare.
“Rizwan had a strong desire to play for his nation in the crucial knockout match. He was strong, determined, and confident. I am astonished at the pace he had recovered," recalls Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen, specialist Pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital in Dubai.
Rizwan was hospitalized with severe retrosternal chest pain mimicking cardiac pain and breathing difficulty on November 9 at 12.30 a.m. at the Emergency department of Medeor Hospital.
He had been suffering from intermittent fever, persisting cough, and chest tightness for 3-5 days before being taken to the hospital.
“His pain at the time of admission was 10/10. So we subjected him for a detailed evaluation to diagnose the condition," said Dr. Saheer.
The results confirmed that Rizwan had severe laryngeal infection, leading to an esophageal spasm and bronchospasm.
“Esophageal spasms can feel like sudden and severe chest pain that lasts for a few minutes to hours," added Dr. Saheer.
Subsequently, the medical team shifted the player to ICU and monitored his condition continuously.
“Rizwan had a severe infection. Recovery and gaining fitness before the semifinal seemed unrealistic. It would have normally taken 5-7 days for anybody to recover," maintained Saheer.
However, Mohammad Rizwan was confident and he showed tremendous willpower.
"He seemed very focused and believed in God. His only thoughts were about the semi-final,” the doctor added.
After spending two nights in the ICU, Rizwan responded well to symptomatic medications and his condition improved significantly.
“Rizwan was firm, courageous, and confident. His physical fitness and endurance level as a sportsman had been key in his recovery. He had been in the ICU for 35 hours,” said Saheer.
After being assessed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, Rizwan was discharged from the hospital on November 10.
“During sporting events, we have seen players coming up with injuries. But this is the first time a player with a severe infection of this scale had recovered so quickly.
"When Rizwan hit the big sixes, we were all happy. The power he has regained after the illness has been amazing. His dedication, commitment, and courage are truly commendable,” Saheer added.
Mohammad Rizwan was grateful to the doctor after his quick recovery and he also gifted a signed jersey to the Indian doctor based in Dubai.
(With IANS inputs)
