‘Truly Inspiring’- VVS Laxman lauds Mohammad Rizwan for playing semi-final clash against Australia despite health issues

Although Pakistan suffered a five-wicket defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final, Mohammad Rizwan received praises from different quarters. The wicketkeeper-batter continued his sensational runs and scored 67 off 52 deliveries against Australia’s lethal bowling attack. It was later revealed that the right-handed batter was admitted in ICU for a couple of days before the game.

While many Pakistan team members believed Rizwan won’t be able to play the game, the star batter showed immense courage and regained match fitness ahead of the encounter. Needless to mention, praises poured in for the 29-year-old as soon as the massive news broke out. Former Indian batter VVS Laxman is the latest to laud Rizwan for prioritizing his national team above anything else.

Mohammad Rizwan’s act is a great example of courage and determination: VVS Laxman

“A great example of courage, determination, and resilience. Might not have ended up on the winning side, but Mohd. Rizwan’s grit and fight after being in ICU for two days, truly inspiring. Sport is a great teacher and there is so much to learn from everyone,” tweeted Laxman alongside sharing a picture of Rizwan lying in the hospital bed.

A great example of courage, determination and resilience. Might not have ended up on the winning side, but Mohd. Rizwan’s grit and fight after being in ICU for two days, truly inspiring. Sport is a great teacher and there is so much to learn from everyone. pic.twitter.com/O2PatLEuWJ

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 12, 2021

For the unversed, Rizwan sustained a severe chest infection on November 9 and he was subsequently admitted to the hospital. The star cricketer spent two nights in ICU to regain full fitness. “He made an incredible recovery and was deemed fit before the match. We can see his great determination and tenacity that shows his spirit of performing for the country. And we can see how he performed today,” Pakistan’s team doctor Najeeb Somroo said.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who’s currently the tournament’s highest run-getter, also lauded his opening partner’s exceptional attitude. “Definitely he’s a team man. The way he played today, it was exceptional. When I saw him, he was a little bit down, but when I asked him about his health he said, no, I will play. And the way he played today he showed that he’s a team man. And I am very confident about his attitude and his performance,” Babar said after the match.

Meanwhile, Rizwan’s heroics went in vain as Pakistan failed to defend 176 in Dubai. David Warner, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade played exceptional knocks to take their side to a five-wicket triumph.