Indian physician helped a ‘critical’ Rizwan get better in time for T20 World Cup semi-final

It was a race in opposition to time. Two days earlier than his staff’s T20 World Cup semifinal in opposition to Australia, Pakistan’s wicket-keeper opener Mohammad Rizwan, after complaining of extreme chest ache, was within the ICU unit of Medeor Hospital close to Burjuman in Dubai.
The attending pulmonologist, Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, initially from Thiruvananthapuram, says Rizwan was essential on the time he was admitted. Under the Indian physician’s care, Pakistan’s key participant recovered in time for the sport.
He didn’t simply make it to the taking part in XI, he additionally made a gritty 67, serving to his staff publish a formidable rating within the match that Australia narrowly received. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Rizwan, 29, remembered to acknowledge the efforts put in by the great physician. As a token of gratitude, he despatched throughout a staff shirt, autographed by the Pakistan gamers.
Speaking to The Sunday Express at his chambers, Dr Saheer credited the fast restoration to Rizwan’s “willpower”.

In ICU for 35 hours
“He was in the ICU for 35 hours. He had a fever for three-four days, but he was Covid negative. Then (two days before the match), he had severe chest pain, enough to make him gasp,” Dr Saheer mentioned.
The 40-year-old physician mentioned he initially suspected a coronary heart drawback, however assessments dominated that out. “Actually, due to infection, spasms had blocked Rizwan’s esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (windpipe), resulting in chest pain. His condition was critical.”
Going into the match, Rizwan was not 100%, however managed to attain 67 in 52 balls, getting out solely within the 18th over of the Pakistan innings. He returned to maintain the wickets and took a pointy catch of the in-form Australian opener David Warner, who gave the impression to be working away with the sport.
During a break within the recreation, Pakistan’s batting coach, former Aussie batsman Mathew Hayden, had revealed to the host broadcaster that Rizwan had been in hospital a day earlier.
“I am a big fan of this batting line-up, they have performed superbly right through with the bat all along, and tonight is no exception. Rizwan was in hospital a night ago, suffering from a bronchitis condition, but this is a warrior… He has great courage, so has Babar (Azam), fantastic to see them combine so well,” Hayden mentioned.
Among those that applauded Rizwan’s drive and dedication was Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. “Can you imagine this guy played for his country today & gave his best. He was in the hospital last two days. Massive respect @iMRizwanPak. Hero,” posted Pakistan nice Shoaib Akhtar.

Can you think about this man performed for his nation immediately & gave his greatest.He was within the hospital final two days.Massive respect @iMRizwanPak .Hero. pic.twitter.com/kdpYukcm5I
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 11, 2021
Dr Saheer recalled Rizwan was determined to play. “Whenever we spoke, he told me, ‘Play I must, I have to be with the team’. He was given an injection before leaving the hospital (a day before the game) and then, two hours before the start of the match, he took medicines. I allowed him to play only because he was medically fit to play,” the physician mentioned.
Dr Saheer mentioned, Rizwan and his Pakistani teammates wished to go to him personally to thank him, however biosecurity protocol didn’t permit them to take action. “He said, ‘Ek shirt bhej rahe hain aapko (Sending you an autographed team shirt)’.”
While completely happy on the present, Dr Saheer mentioned he was happier at Rizwan’s restoration. “It was down to his willpower. I have never seen a person with such strong willpower. He was weak but his willpower trumped the illness.”
Recalling the problem, he added: “An illness that usually takes about a week to heal was taken care of inside two days… He had a big game coming up, so it was my duty to walk the extra mile, leave no stone unturned and then see how it goes. When he was admitted to the ICU, I never thought it would be possible. But he responded very well to the treatment, followed our advice in toto and pulled off something unreal.”