T20 World Cup | Astonished at the rate Mohammad Rizwan recovered, says Indian doctor who treated Pakistan star
Specialist Pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital, Saheer Sainalabdeen, who treated Mohammad Rizwan, was astonished at the Pakistan cricketer's quick recovery from intermittent fever, persistent cough, and chest tightness ahead of Pakistan's semi-final clash against Australia on Thursday in Dubai.
Indian Doctor Saheer Sainalabdeen was "astonished" to see the 29-year-old's recovery speed ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semifinal against Australia in Dubai on Thursday.
Rizwan had been suffering from intermittent fever, persistent cough, and chest tightness for several days before being hospitalised. The medical team at the Meteor Hospital immediately stabilised him and gave him symptomatic medications to ease his pain.
But even during his stay at the hospital, the wicketkeeper-batsman, who scored 281 runs - the second-highest in the ongoing showpiece event so far, kept telling the doctors in the ICU that he wants to get back to his team as soon as possible, Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen revealed on Saturday.
"Mujhe Khelna he. Team ke saath rehna he, (I want to play and be with the team).
"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 Dr. Sainalabdeen.
The results confirmed that the player had severe laryngeal infection leading to an oesophagal spasm and bronchospasm. It is painful contraction of muscles within the oesophagus.
“Oesophageal spasms can feel like sudden and severe chest pain that lasts for a few minutes to hours,” said Saheer.
The medical team shifted Rizwan to the ICU and monitored his condition continuously. Rizwan had to manage severe pain and other issues induced by the medical condition.
“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.
The Peshawar-born not only made an astonishing recovery in time to play the semi-final against Australia but also managed to top-score for Pakistan with 67 off 52 balls but unfortunately, ended up on the losing side.
“Rizwan seemed very focused and believed in God. His only thoughts were about the semifinal,” the doctor added.
Two nights in the ICU, Rizwan responded well to symptomatic medications and showed significant improvement. HThe 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.
After being evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, Rizwan was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday around noon.
The team officials were in constant touch with the medical team. “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.
A grateful Rizwan thanked the doctor and the medical team for their support and care. He also gifted a signed jersey to Saheer as a token of gratitude.
Unfortunately for Rizwan, all his efforts before and during the game went in vain as Pakistan lost by 5 wickets against Australia to crash out of the T20 World Cup after registering 5 wins in succession in the Super 12s.