Cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal Returns To Nets After Gastroenteritis: Exploring The Medical Condition

Indian cricket’s rising star, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has handed a major boost to the Mumbai camp by returning to the practice nets following a scary health setback. The dynamic opener was rushed to a hospital in Pune in mid-December after suffering from acute stomach pain during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match. What started as minor discomfort quickly escalated, leading to his emergency admission and a period of significant weight loss.

To understand this condition better, we reached out to Dr Sachin HJ, Consultant - Gastroenterology at Regency Hospital, Gorakhpur. He explains that while common, this digestive infection requires careful management.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Health Update

The incident occurred on December 16, 2025, during Mumbai’s clash against Rajasthan. However, his condition worsened rapidly after the match ended. He was admitted to Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, where medical teams performed an ultrasound and CT scans to confirm a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis. 

After being administered intravenous (IV) fluids and medication, Jaiswal was discharged with a strict 8-to-10-day rest period. On December 30, fans were relieved to see him back in the nets for an intense hour-long session in Jaipur, signalling his readiness for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

ALSO READ- Vaibhav Suryavanshi Fitness Secrets: How the Youngest List A Centurion Stayed Fit by Quitting Pizza and Mutton

What Is Gastroenteritis?

Dr Sachin HJ explains that gastroenteritis is essentially an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. "It primarily affects the digestive system and commonly presents with symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and sometimes fever," says Dr Sachin.

Often called the "stomach flu," it can range from mild discomfort to severe dehydration. Dr Sachin warns that while most cases resolve within a few days, prompt care is significant to prevent fluid and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in those with high physical demands.

What Causes This Stomach Infection, Gastroenteritis?

According to Dr Sachin HJ, the causes are varied:

• Viral Infections: Most common, including norovirus and rotavirus.
• Bacterial Infections: Often from contaminated food or water (Salmonella, E. coli).
• Non-Infectious Factors: Food intolerance, excessive alcohol, or certain medications like antibiotics.
• Risk Factors: Poor hygiene, unsafe drinking water, and improperly stored food significantly increase the risk.

Is Gastroenteritis Contagious?

"Yes," confirms Dr Sachin. Viral and bacterial gastroenteritis are highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or consuming tainted food. Interestingly, a person can remain contagious even after their symptoms improve, making regular handwashing and disinfection essential.

Treatment and Recovery: The Right Approach

The most important part of treating gastroenteritis is hydration. Dr Sachin HJ shares these tips for recovery:

• Hydration First: Use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) to replace lost electrolytes.
• Rest and Diet: Once symptoms ease, stick to light, digestible foods like juices, soup, curd rice, idlis, or dalia.
• Avoid Self-Medication: Many people use over-the-counter loperamide to stop diarrhoea. Dr Sachin warns that this "causes the infective viruses/bacteria to remain longer in the bowel," making the illness last longer. Only use such medicine in dire situations, like travelling.
• Medical Supervision: Most viral cases resolve on their own, but persistent fever or severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention.

ALSO READ- From Monkeypox to Malaria, Here Are 10 Biggest Disease Outbreaks of 2025

Conclusion

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quick return to the field is a testament to his fitness, but his experience reminds us that even world-class athletes are vulnerable to digestive health issues. Gastroenteritis may be a common "stomach flu," but it can cause rapid weakness and weight loss if not managed correctly.