‘Vinod Kambli at risk of brain stroke’: Close friend reveals a clot in his brain

MUMBAI: More than a year after recovering from a urinary infection, Vinod Kambli continues to battle health concerns, though his condition has not worsened. However, the former India batter is still not out of danger.

"Ever since he was hospitalised in Thane about 18 months ago, Kambli has had a clot in his brain. His memory is not good. He remembers things and then forgets about them. That’s all due to that clot in his brain. Kambli has given up drinking, but he tends to smoke at times. Smoking is completely forbidden for him, because it puts him at risk of a brain stroke, as per the doctor Aadil Chagla (famous neurosurgeon), who has been monitoring Kambli’s treatment,” his close friend and former first-class umpire Marcus Couto told TOI on Wednesday.

“Sometimes, when he steps out of his house, he tends to ask for, and people tend to offer him a smoke. They think that they are offering a smoke to a former India cricket star. However, smoking is extremely harmful for him, particularly for his brain," Couto added.

There have been some positive signs as well. “10 days back, he acted in an advert- after a long, long time- for Dinshaw’s ice-cream. It was shot at the Mahim Juvenile Cricket Ground Shivaji Park. They gave him a role which suited him. I, along with his brother Ricky and former cricketer Viram Dayal visited Kambli at his residence in Jewel Cooperative Society in Bandra last week," Couto said.

"He seemed to be in decent health. He and his family were in good spirits. Kambli now uses a stick to walk around. His son (Cristiano) wants to become a cricketer. I requested Jatin Paranjape to enroll him at his cricket academy, and he immediately agreed. Of course, Jatin won't charge Kambli’s son anything."

Kambli had sparked concern during a public appearance in December 2024, where he appeared unsteady alongside Sachin Tendulkar.

Cricket greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev later extended support for his rehabilitation.

Despite efforts, including a proposed rehab plan backed by members of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, long-term recovery remains a challenge.