Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli, once hailed as one of the most naturally gifted left-handers in world cricket, continues his battle with health complications at the age of 53.
His younger brother, Virendra Kambli, has revealed that while the ex-India star is recovering gradually, he still struggles with speech and mobility, and urged the public to pray for his recovery.
The Health Struggles
Kambli first made headlines in October 2023 after being hospitalised for a urinary infection. Though he recovered, the problem resurfaced and led to another hospitalisation in December.
Further tests revealed a blood clot in his brain, which required close monitoring before he was finally discharged.
Now, nine months later, he is undergoing physiotherapy and regular treatment at his Bandra home. “He is stable, but not yet fully recovered,” said Virendra.
“He struggles to speak and walk properly. But I know he is a champion and will come back stronger. I request everyone to pray for him.”
Rehabilitation and Treatment
Kambli has undergone intensive rehab sessions and routine check-ups, including scans and neurological assessments.
Encouragingly, his reports show improvement, but he still faces challenges with speech clarity and coordination. Physiotherapy has been advised to help him regain strength in his legs.
“He still slurs when he speaks, but he is getting better. His fighting spirit is intact, but he needs the love and prayers of fans to overcome this,” Virendra added.
The Cricketing Legend
Vinod Kambli’s story remains one of Indian cricket’s most fascinating chapters. He and Sachin Tendulkar were childhood friends and prodigies from Mumbai’s cricketing nursery.
The pair first captured attention in 1988 when they stitched a record-shattering 664-run partnership in a school match, a feat that catapulted them into national limelight.
Kambli’s Test debut in 1993 remains etched in memory, as he scored 224 against England at Wankhede and followed it with 227 against Zimbabwe.
These back-to-back double centuries made him the youngest Indian to achieve the feat, and his Test batting average of 54.20 still ranks among the best by an Indian.
In ODIs, he played 104 matches, scoring over 2,400 runs, including a sparkling century in the 1996 World Cup against Zimbabwe.
Known for his flamboyant strokeplay, swagger, and fearlessness, Kambli was often compared to legends for his natural ability, though his career was cut short due to inconsistency and injuries.
Emotional Reactions from Teammates
The news of his health struggles has evoked an outpouring of emotion from the cricketing fraternity.
- Sachin Tendulkar, his closest friend since childhood, said:
“Vinod is not just a teammate, he is family to me. We grew up playing together, dreaming together. His talent was extraordinary, and his presence always lit up the dressing room. I pray for his speedy recovery, and I know his fighting spirit will see him through.” - Kapil Dev, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, reflected:
“Kambli was a rare talent. I remember how fearlessly he batted, even against the best bowlers in the world. It is painful to see him suffer like this. The entire cricket fraternity stands with him in this fight.” - Mohammad Azharuddin, who captained Kambli during the 1990s, said:
“Vinod was an aggressive batsman who could change the game within a session. He was always full of life. I hope he recovers soon. My prayers are with him and his family.” - Anil Kumble too joined in, stating:
“He had the gift of timing and courage. More than his cricket, his laughter and joy were infectious in the team environment. Wishing him strength to get back to good health.”
A Brother’s Plea
Virendra, who once dreamed of a cricketing career himself, said the Kambli family—Vinod, Virendra, Vikas, and Vidyadhar—remains united behind the former star. “Vinod was a fighter on the field, and now he is fighting off it. He needs blessings, prayers, and positivity from all his well-wishers. Please keep him in your thoughts.”
For fans, Vinod Kambli’s story is bittersweet—a reminder of unfulfilled potential, but also a tale of immense talent and charisma. As he battles this new challenge, the cricketing world continues to hope for a miracle recovery for one of India’s most flamboyant batting prodigies.
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