VVS Laxman praises 'truly inspiring' Mohammad Rizwan

Former Indian Test cricketer VVS Laxman has praised Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman for showing "great courage, determination, and resilience." 

Despite suffering a five-wicket loss against Australia in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup, Mohammad Rizwan has gathered a lot of praise from different quarters.

Prior to the match, there were reports circulating that Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik were both suffering from flu. However, it was later revealed that wicketkeeper-batsman had been admitted to the ICU days before the game due to a lung problem and severe chest infection.

READ MORE: Rizwan spent 'two days in intensive care' before T20 World Cup semi-final

Rizwan, however, showed great resilience and regained match fitness ahead of the crucial encounter. While batting, Mohammad Rizwan set the world record by becoming the first cricketer to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year.

“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

Rizwan went on to continue his superb T20I form and play a remarkable inning of 67 off 52 deliveries to propel Pakistan to 176, a fighting total which was later chased down by Australia in the 19th over.

“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 regarding Rizwan's remarkable recovery.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam also lauded Rizwan's efforts and labeled him as a "team man", who will prioritise his country over anything else.