Pakistan opening batsman, Mohammad Rizwan has gifted his no. 16 jersey to the Indian doctor who treated him a day prior to the semi-final between Pakistan and Australia.


The Pakistan batsman thanked the doctors and gifted a signed jersey as a token of gratitude, for treating him a day before the semi-final, reported Khaleej Times.


Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen, a specialist pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital in Dubai was treating Rizwan after he fell ill just before the all-important semi-final. Mohammed Rizwan was in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a couple of days, ahead of the T20 World Cup Semi-final against Australia. 


"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 as reported by PTI. The Pakistani batsman was reportedly bought to the hospital late on 9 November. He was suffering from chest pain and tremendous difficulty in breathing. 


"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," said Saheer.


Doctor Was Astonished To See Rizwan's Determination


“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.


Despite that, Rizwan showed tremendous willpower, got fit, and scored 67 runs. Pakistan lost the match, but his effort will always be remembered. 


“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.