BIG update on Vinod Kambli health: Former cricketer’s brain condition not stable, reveals doctor
In what will come as a shock to cricket fans around the world, former India cricketer Vinod Kambli’s health prognosis doesn’t make for a pleasant reading. Kambli has been admitted in Aakruti Hospital in Thane since Saturday evening and the doctor’s gave more bad news as tests continued on the former Mumbai southpaw
Dr Vivek Dwivedi, who is treating Vinod Kambli at Aakruti Hospital in Thane, reported on Tuesday that the 52-year-old’s brain condition remains unstable. Kambli was admitted to the hospital on Saturday evening after experiencing muscle cramps and dizziness at home.
Earlier in December, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met his childhood friend Kambli during the unveiling of a memorial for their coach, Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park. A video of their meeting showed Kambli looking frail, sparking concerns about his health.
Speaking to ANI news agency, Dr Dwivedi said that Kambli was admitted with a high-grade fever and complications that included difficulty walking due to severe cramps. “Upon admission, we identified a urine infection and deficiencies in sodium and potassium, which caused the cramps,” he explained.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Former Indian Cricketer Vinod Kambli says, “I am feeling better now…I will never leave this (cricket) because I remember the number of centuries and double centuries I have hit…We are three left-handers in the family. I am thankful to Sachin Tendulkar as… https://t.co/ZQsUuVV1pO pic.twitter.com/Xj8UQbAgmQ
— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2024
Vinod Kambli will need ‘long-term rehabilitation’
A brain scan revealed old clots, likely from a recent stroke, prompting ICU care due to low blood pressure. While Kambli’s vitals have stabilized and he is undergoing physiotherapy, degenerative changes in his brain remain a concern.
“We are planning to discharge him in 2-3 days, but his brain condition requires ongoing rehabilitation,” Dr Dwivedi added.
Kambli, speaking from the hospital, expressed gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar for his continued support. “I’m feeling better now. I will never leave cricket; it’s a part of me. I still cherish my centuries and double centuries. I’m thankful for Sachin’s blessings—they’ve always been with me,” he said.
Both Tendulkar and Kambli were protégés of coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shardashram Vidyamandir. Their legendary 664-run partnership in a 1988 school match remains a highlight of their careers.
In his international career, Kambli amassed 2,477 runs in ODIs and 1,084 runs in 17 Test matches, cementing his place as one of India’s finest left-handed batsmen.
Vinod Kambli has been to rehab for alcohol addiction 14 times
The 52-year-old has himself admitted that he has been to rehab for alcohol addiction at least 14 times in the past. Apart from this he had suffered a couple of heart attacks back in 2013. In a recent interview, Kambli had revealed that Tendulkar had paid for the heart operations of Kambli at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital.