England Cricket Team Honours Four Indian-Origin Doctors For Their Contributions During COVID-19 Fight

The ongoing Test between the England and West Indies in Southampton has proved significant for more reasons than one. More than the return of the sport at the international level after 117 days, it was more about bringing into attention social issues and paying tributes to Everton Weeks, victims of racial abuse, and the COVID-19 pandemic. But the England team did not forget to honour Dr Vikas Kumar, who has dedicated himself to rescuing as many lives he can during these turbulent times.

Also Read: Tom Moody Highlights The Reasons Behind India’s Failure In The 2019 World Cup

35-year-old Vikas Kumar was one of the four doctors nominated in the “Raise the Bat” campaign. He works at the National Health Sevice (NHS) Trust Hospital in the critical care unit in Durham, having graduated from Delhi University.

Kumar completed his post-graduate diploma in anaesthesia from Maulana Azad Medical College after which he moved to England in 2019.

England hail doctors for COVID-19 fight:

After seeing his name on the English stand-in-captain Ben Stokes’ jersey, Vikas felt exceptionally emotional. The 35-year-old recalled the difficult times that they have been through, the sacrifices made, and cited the recognition significant for the entire medical community.

“It was overwhelming to see Stokes and others putting that message out. It’s been very difficult for all of us. NHS staff have made a lot of sacrifices. This recognition is for the entire medical fraternity, including my doctor friends in India,” the health-care professional said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Vikas Kumar further said that he was a cricket fan having also played during his college days. However, hailing from a doctor family, he also had to become a doctor.

“I was a cricket fan, and played for my medical college, but all my family members were into studies. So I had to become a doctor like my brothers,” the health-care professional added.

The other three Indian origin doctors include Dr Jamasp Kaikhusroo Dastur from Norwich, and Harikrishna Shah and physiotherapist Krishan Aghada from Leicester also got their name engraved in the campaign for the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.

Watch Vikas Kumar’s message for England stand-in-captain Ben Stokes ahead of the first Test:

Go well, @benstokes38! #ForTheNorth https://t.co/COcEnWuvkU pic.twitter.com/QG34ngduKn

— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) July 8, 2020