Indian doctor who treated Mohammad Rizwan before T20 World Cup semis "astonished" at recovery

New Delhi : An Indian doctor who was involved in the treatment of Mohammad Rizwan ahead of T20 World Cup semi-finals on Dubai has praised the wicket keeper's battle against severe chest infection in the ICU.

Specialist Pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital, Saheer Sainalabdeen, who treated the cricketer, was astonished at Rizwan's quick recovery. "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.

He played a crucial role in the fight against Australia in the Semi-final game as Rizwan scored 67 runs off 52 balls in the knockout game. However, the team fell a few runs short and lost the game by five wickets.

"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," recalled Saheer.

Rizwan had been suffering from intermittent fever, persistent cough, and chest tightness for 3-5 days before being hospitalised. The medical team immediately stabilised him and gave him symptomatic medications to ease his pain.

"His pain at the time of admission was 10/10. So, we subjected him for a detailed evaluation to diagnose the condition," said Saheer.

Two nights in the ICU, Rizwan responded well to symptomatic medications and showed significant improvement. The doctor believes various factors might have contributed to his faster recovery.

“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.

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