Kambli has a clot in his brain that cannot be removed now.
Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli is battling significant health challenges, including a brain clot that has placed him at high risk of a stroke, despite financial aid from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev.
While Kambli can now walk with a stick and has shown slight physical improvement, his neurological health remains fragile.
According to his close friend, Marcus Couto, Kambli has a clot in his brain that cannot be removed now because early medical precautions were not taken.
“I have formed a WhatsApp group including his friends – mostly cricketers – and without taking names, they contribute a lot financially. His memory isn’t good, but over the last six months, it hasn’t declined either. He can’t remember much, but when something clicks, he does. Otherwise, it gets difficult for him. Vinod has a clot in his brain, which cannot be removed because he did not take precautions early. And the doctor has suggested that he could have a brain stroke. Because of his willpower, he is conjuring whatever he can,” Couto told Hindustan Times.
Couto revealed that neurosurgeon Dr. Adil Chagla has warned the next stage of Kambli’s condition could be a brain stroke.
“The Doctor (neurosurgeon Adil Chagla) is saying that the next stage would be a brain stroke. He has stopped drinking, but sometimes when he goes down, he asks those passing by to help him with a smoke. He would ask auto drivers for a cigarette, and they would gladly oblige, thinking they’re helping ‘The Vinod Kambli’. But they don’t realise what harm they are causing. The damage is now not to his heart, liver or kidney; it’s his brain. It causes imbalance,” Couto added.
Kambli's friends and fellow cricketers have rallied to provide emotional and financial assistance. A dedicated WhatsApp group of former cricketers has been formed to contribute toward his ongoing medical expenses. Tendulkar is providing support behind the scenes as and when required by his former batting partner.
“Six months ago, he used to walk with the support of his home furniture. Now he walks on his own, using a support stick. One of our friends gave him a stick, the ones mountaineers use. He was very happy, and enjoying with it. We need a physio, because there is no strength in his legs. By next week, we should be able to get one. Sachin is behind the scenes as well, as and when required,” Couto said.
A planned rehabilitation initiative for Vinod Kambli, supported by Kapil Dev and the 1983 World Cup-winning team, did not materialize in late 2024 due to disagreements and differing views on the necessary treatment approach
“Balwinder [Singh Sandhu] was handling that. The 1983 World Cup team has a group where they decided to help Vinod. Ballu did contact me. At the time, I had a friend, Dr. Santosh Jadhav, who runs a hospital in Panvel. He had agreed to keep Kambli there for at least 11 months and even designed a day-to-day programme. It would have cost ₹1 lakh per month. But when I spoke to them, they said they wouldn’t fund it. Kapil asked me to tell Vinod to come to Haryana, where he has a rehab centre, but I told him rehab wasn’t the solution. Then the doctor told me the next stage could be a brain stroke, which would require hospitalisation. So if that were to happen, we would have wanted him to have the best possible medical care,” Couto said.
Despite these setbacks, Kambli recently filmed an advertisement, marking his first on-screen appearance in nearly a decade.
“He was offered an advertisement by Dinshaw’s ice-cream. He shot for it in Mahim last week. That ad has come out good; people will like it. They knew what to take out from Vinod. The role was such that it was suitable for him at this age. They knew what to extract from him. They’ve kept it simple and real,” Couto revealed.