Ben Stokes sports the name of Indian-origin doctor Vikas Kumar on the training jersey to honour him

International cricket took the centre stage after 117 days as England and West Indies locked horns in the first match of the three-match Test series. The historic series marked the resumption of international cricket amid COVID-19 pandemic as players of both sides were seen following post-coronavirus regulations laid by the ICC.

Ahead of the commencement of the first Test, each England player paid tribute to key workers by wearing the names of doctors, nurses, teachers, and carers on their training kits. The initiative of honouring key workers was a part of ‘Raise The Bat’ campaign. England’s stand-in skipper Ben Stokes was also seen sporting the name of Dr Vikas Kumar on his training jersey.

Dr Vikas Kumar works at the critical care unit of a National Health Service (NHS) Trust hospital at Darlington in Durham. As reported by the Indian Express, Kumar was among those nominated by cricket clubs in England as part of their ‘Raise The Bat’ campaign.

It was overwhelming to see Stokes: Dr Vikas Kumar

Kumar was overwhelmed upon knowing about Stokes and other players showing solidarity towards NHS staff. Kumar, a cricket enthusiast, completed his post-graduate diploma in anaesthesia from Maulana Azad Medical College. After shifting to England with his wife and son in 2019, Kumar, who himself is a cricket enthusiast, also plays for Gilli Boys Amateur Club and Cowgate Cricket Club.

According to Kumar, NHS staff has made a lot of sacrifices and the recognition which the England players showed is for the entire medical fraternity. Considering the COVID-19 upsurge in recent times, the past few months have been stern for doctors along with health workers.

“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,” Kumar told Indian Express.

“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,” he added.