Kambli, who once partnered with Sachin to score a deluge of runs for India, is today batting on the most difficult pitch of his life. (Image X @ANI)
Mumbai: Vinod Kambli—childhood friend of former Indian cricketer and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar—is once again in the spotlight regarding his health. Kambli, who once partnered with Sachin to score a deluge of runs for India, is today batting on the most difficult pitch of his life. The latest update on his health reveals that he is not only battling serious ailments, but his memory is now also failing him.
While he is still able to recognize his loved ones, he often forgets to take his medication on time. Reports suggest that despite the assistance of friends and the continued behind-the-scenes support of Sachin Tendulkar, a new threat now looms precariously over Kambli.
In an interview with the 'Hindustan Times', Marcus Couto—a close friend of Kambli—made significant revelations regarding Vinod Kambli's current health status. Couto stated that while Kambli is still able to walk, his memory has deteriorated significantly; he can only recall things in fragments. Although his health has improved following medical treatment, he is not yet entirely out of danger.
Couto further revealed that while Kambli has successfully given up alcohol, his compromised mental state occasionally causes him to forget that he must refrain from smoking. Consequently, he now faces a grave risk of suffering a brain stroke. The 54-year-old Kambli has been making a gradual recovery since undergoing treatment for a urinary tract infection at a hospital in Thane last year.
Approximately 18 months ago, Vinod Kambli attended the unveiling ceremony of the memorial dedicated to his coach, Ramakant Achrekar, in Mumbai. At the time, everyone present was stunned by his condition. He was seen walking unsteadily while holding onto the hand of his friend, Sachin Tendulkar—footage of which subsequently went viral across social media platforms. Following this incident, Indian cricket legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and numerous former teammates stepped forward to offer their assistance to Kambli.
Marcus Couto, a close friend of Kambli, has revealed: "I have created a WhatsApp group comprising Kambli's cricketer friends who provide him with financial assistance. His memory is poor, though it hasn't deteriorated further over the last six months. Vinod has a blood clot in his brain that can no longer be removed because the necessary precautions were not taken early on. Doctors warn that he could suffer a brain stroke at any moment."
Marcus explained that while Vinod has quit alcohol, occasionally—when he goes downstairs for a stroll—he asks passersby or auto-rickshaw drivers for cigarettes. People, recognizing him as the "great Vinod Kambli," readily hand him a cigarette, unaware of the immense harm they are causing him. The risk now lies not with his heart or liver, but with his brain. Marcus noted that Dr. Adil Chagla (himself a former cricketer) has issued a stern warning: if he continues to smoke, the next stage could very well be a brain stroke.
In December 2024, Vinod Kambli received an offer for rehabilitation from Kapil Dev, and the 1983 World Cup-winning squad even attempted to raise funds for the cause; however, for various reasons, the plan did not materialize. Marcus Couto explained that they had intended to place Kambli in a hospital in Panvel for 11 months—at a monthly cost of ₹1 lakh—but they were unable to secure the necessary funding.
Kapil Dev had suggested sending him to a rehabilitation center in Haryana; however, according to the doctors, Kambli required medical care—rather than standard rehabilitation—given the critical risk of a brain stroke. Due to a lack of funds, his treatment could not be continued at a major medical facility such as Breach Candy Hospital. Marcus revealed that while at Breach Candy Hospital, Kambli had recovered by up to 60%, but they were short on funds. Friends took turns covering the daily expenses, but sustaining this on a daily basis was not feasible. Now, their only hope is that his condition remains stable and does not deteriorate further.
Marcus Couto shared that Kambli now spends most of his time at home, playing with his two children. However, due to a failing memory, he often forgets to take his medications on time. On a positive note, after decades, Kambli recently shot an advertisement for 'Dinshaw's' ice cream, which is set to appear on screens soon. He has also started walking without any external support. Arrangements will soon be made for a physiotherapist to help strengthen his leg muscles. Couto also confirmed that Sachin Tendulkar continues to provide him with constant support from behind the scenes.
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