Vinod Kambli at risk of brain stroke, Sachin Tendulkar backs financial aid drive for childhood friend, ex-India teammate

FORMER India cricketer Vinod Kambli continues to face serious health challenges and is currently at risk of a brain stroke, according to a report by Hindustan Times. While there has been some improvement in his physical condition, concerns remain over his memory and neurological health.

Kambli, 54, is reportedly able to walk with support, but his memory remains inconsistent. As per the report, he recalls events only in fragments, although his condition has not deteriorated significantly recently.

Health Concerns And Medical Condition

Kambli’s friend Marcus Couto told HT that the former cricketer has developed a clot in his brain that cannot be removed due to delayed precautions.

“Vinod has a clot in his brain, which cannot be removed because he did not take precautions early. The doctor has suggested that he could have a brain stroke,” he said.

Couto added that although Kambli has stopped consuming alcohol, he sometimes forgets medical advice due to memory issues and continues to smoke occasionally.

“His memory is fair, and over the last six months, it has stayed the same. He can’t remember much, but when something clicks, he does. Otherwise, it gets difficult for him,” he said.

Support From Cricketing Fraternity

According to the report, members of the cricketing community have come forward to support Kambli financially. Couto said a WhatsApp group has been formed with friends, including former cricketers, who are contributing towards his expenses.

“I have formed a WhatsApp group including his friends — mostly cricketers — and they contribute a lot financially,” he said.

In the past, cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev have also extended support during his recovery.

Recovery, But Ongoing Challenges

The report notes that Kambli’s mobility has improved. He can walk with the help of a support stick, compared to earlier, when he relied on furniture for movement.

“Six months ago, he used to walk with the support of his home furniture. Now he walks on his own, using a support stick,” Couto said, adding that efforts are being made to arrange physiotherapy.

Despite these improvements, daily challenges persist. Kambli spends most of his time at home and undergoes regular health check-ups, but sometimes forgets to take his medication due to memory issues.

Financial Constraints Affect Treatment

Couto also told Hindustan Times that financial limitations have impacted Kambli’s treatment. He said hospital care had to be discontinued due to high costs, with friends contributing intermittently to support his stay.

“When he was treated at Breach Candy, he had recovered nearly 60 per cent. But since we were short on funds, we couldn’t keep him there for long,” he said.

Recent Work And Outlook

Amid his health struggles, Kambli recently featured in a commercial, marking a return to screen after many years. According to Couto, the project was designed keeping his current condition in mind.

“The role was such that it was suitable for him at this age. They kept it simple and real,” he said.

While his long-term recovery remains uncertain, those close to him are hopeful that his condition stabilises and does not worsen further.