Mohammad Rizwan personified values like determination and courage as he made an astonishing comeback from a chest infection to play in the T20 World Cup semi-final loss against Australia, an Indian doctor who treated the player has said. 

The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman suffered from intermittent fever, persistent cough, and chest tightness for three to five days before being hospitalised, following which spent two nights in the intensive care unit (ICU). 

After making a quick recovery a day before the vital clash against Australia, Rizwan starred with a 52-ball 67 to help the tournament favourites to an imposing target in Dubai on Thursday. 

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Specialist Pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital, Saheer Sainalabdeen, who treated the cricketer, was astonished at Rizwan’s quick recovery, according to PTI.

“Mujhe Khelna he. Team ke saath rehna he, (I want to play and be with the team),” Rizwan used to say to doctors who treated him in the ICU. 

“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.

After showing symptoms of his infection for days, the medical team stabilised him and gave him symptomatic medications to ease his pain.

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

The results confirmed that the player had severe laryngeal infection leading to an esophageal spasm and bronchospasm. It is painful contraction of muscles within the esophagus. “Esophageal spasms can feel like sudden and severe chest pain that lasts for a few minutes to hours,” said Saheer.

The medical team shifted the 29-year-old cricketer 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.

However, the cricketer was confident and displayed tremendous willpower. “He seemed very focused and believed in God. His only thoughts were about the semifinal,” the doctor added.

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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.

Medeor Hospital Dubai is a unit of VPS Healthcare, the group that guards the bio bubble and provides medical services for the ongoing T20 World Cup.