Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli was admitted to Akriti Hospital, a private facility in Thane, Maharashtra, on Saturday, December 21, after his health condition deteriorated.
While his condition was stable on Monday, but remained in critical care under close observation. Vinod Kambli has been battling health issues for more than a decade. A member of the 1996 World Cup team, Kambli has been bogged down by health setbacks and financial struggles in his post-retirement career.
Kambli was recently seen at a memorial event for his childhood coach Ramakanth Achrekar. Visibly frail, Kambli became emotional after meeting his childhood friend and former India teammate Sachin Tendulkar at the event. Kambli has been a beloved figure in Indian cricket circles, but his post-retirement life has been fraught with challenges.
Kambli, in an interview earlier this year, revealed he suffered two heart attacks in 2013, adding that he was battling a severe urinary infection. Kambli revealed financial help from Sachin Tendulkar, clearing misconceptions about their relationship and offered to go to rehabilitation.
Kambli has struggled with addiction to alcohol in the past.
“I had two heart attacks. My wife rushed me to Lilavati Hospital, and it was Sachin who helped me through it. He paid for my two surgeries in 2013,” Kambli said during an interview on The Vickey Lalwani Show in December 2024.
“There was a time I felt Sachin didn’t help me, but I was frustrated. The truth is, he has done everything for me. Our childhood bond has always been strong.” “My wife Andrea and kids, Jesus and Johanna, have been my strongest supporters. They have stood by me and ensured I get the care I need,” he said. “I’m ready to go to rehab. I want to get better for my family.”
FORMER CRICKETERS ASSSURE HELP TO KAMBLI
Several former cricketers, including ex-captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, offered to help Vinod Kambli. Gavaskar the 1983 World Cup-winning team discussed Kambli’s health struggles and that the entire group of players was willing to help the former left-handed batter.
“The 1983 team is very conscious of the younger players. For me, they are like grandsons. If you see their age, some are like sons. We are all very concerned, particularly when fortunes desert them. I don’t like the word help. What the 83 team wants to do is take care of him. We want to take care of Vinod Kambli and help him get back on his feet,” Gavaskar said.
Kapil, meanwhile, said it’s important Kambli understands the gravity of the situation and tries to help himself.
“We are all (there) to support him. Sunil Gavaskar has already told me on behalf of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, and I extend my help on my behalf, but more than me trying to support him, he should support himself. We can’t look after him if he does not want to look after himself,” Kapil Dev said.
Vinod Kambli played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs between 1991 and 2000 for the senior national team.