MUMBAI: More than a year after recovering from a urinary infection, Vinod Kamble has been battling health problems, though his condition has not worsened. However, the former Indian batsman is still not out of danger.“Ever since he was admitted to the police station hospital 18 months ago, Kambli has developed a clot in his brain. His memory is not good. He remembers things and then forgets them. It’s all because of clots in his brain. Kambli has stopped drinking alcohol, but he smokes occasionally. Smoking is completely forbidden for him, as there is a risk of stroke according to a psychiatrist. (A renowned neurosurgeon), who is supervising Kambli’s treatment. have been,” his close friend and former first-class umpire Marcus Cotto told TOI on Wednesday.
“Sometimes, when he steps out of his house, he tends to ask, and people offer him a cigarette. They think they are offering a cigarette to India’s former cricket star. However, smoking is extremely harmful for him, especially for his mind,” Cotto added.Some positive signs have also emerged. “10 days ago, he acted in an ad – after a long time – for Dinsha’s ice cream. It was shot at Maham Juvenile Cricket Ground, Shivaji Park. They gave him a role that suited him. I, along with his brother Ricky and former cricketer Veeram Dayal, went to his residence in Jewel Cooperative Society in Kambli last week,” said. “He seemed in good health. He and his family were in good spirits. Kambli now uses a cane to get around. His son (Cristiano) wants to be a cricketer. I requested Jatin Peranjape to enroll him in his cricket academy, and he immediately agreed. Of course, Jatin won’t take anything from Kambli’s son.”Kambli sparked concern during a public appearance in December 2024, where he appeared unsteady with Sachin Tendulkar. Cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev later extended support for his rehabilitation.Despite efforts, including a proposed rehabilitation project supported by members of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, long-term rehabilitation remains a challenge.
