Mumbai: Vinod Kambli, once spoken of almost in the same breath as Sachin Tendulkar, is one of Indian cricket’s wasted talents who got embroiled in quite a few controversies.
Of late, it’s his health condition that has been in focus.
About a year and a half after being hospitalised to treat complications from a urinary infection, the 54-year-old former Team India batter is back in hospital.
Kambli, the only Indian cricketer to hit consecutive double centuries in the first 4 Test matches, is battling loss of memory and a blood clot, according to his longtime friend Marcus Couto.
Though his condition hasn’t worsened too much, Kambli is still not out of danger.
To ensure financial and emotional support for Kambli, Couto has formed a WhatsApp group in which the legendary Sachin Tendulkar has joined.
The initiative has brought together several former cricketers and well-wishers.
“I have formed a WhatsApp group including his friends, and without taking names, they contribute a lot financially,” Couto told Hindustan Times.
“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,” Couto added.
Kambli has shown some improvement in mobility, but doctors have warned of other complications.
According to reputed neurosurgeon Dr Aadil Chagla, who has been monitoring Kambli’s treatment, he is at risk of a brain stroke.
“The doctor 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,” Couto said.
“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,” he added.
Tendulkar apart, support from the cricketing fraternity has come in the form of legends like Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.
