Vinod Kambli’s wife has dismissed reports suggesting that the former India cricketer is battling serious health issues, insisting that he is doing “fine”. Recent claims had suggested that Kambli has been
dealing with a brain clot since his hospitalisation more than a year ago, affecting his memory.
“By God’s grace, Vinod is fine. I don’t know who is spreading false information about his health,” Kambli’s wife Andrea Hewitt was quoted as saying by India Today.
Concerns over Kambli’s health were raised by his friend and former first-class umpire Marcus Couto, who said the 54-year-old has quit drinking but still smokes occasionally – something that could increase his risk of a brain stroke.
“Ever since he was hospitalised in Thane about 18 months ago, Kambli has had a clot in his brain. His memory is not good. He remembers things and then forgets about them. That’s all due to that clot in his brain,” Couto was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
“Kambli has given up drinking, but he tends to smoke at times. Smoking is completely forbidden for him, because it puts him at risk of a brain stroke, as per the doctor Aadil Chagla (famous neurosurgeon), who has been monitoring Kambli’s treatment,” he added.
Despite these concerns, Couto also shared a more encouraging update, noting that Kambli recently shot for an advertisement and appeared to be in “decent health”.
“He (Kambli) seemed to be in decent health. He and his family were in good spirits. Kambli now uses a stick to walk around. His son (Cristiano) wants to become a cricketer. I requested Jatin Paranjape to enroll him at his cricket academy, and he immediately agreed. Of course, Jatin won’t charge Kambli’s son anything,” he said.
Kambli’s History With Health Issues
In December 2024, Kambli was admitted to a Mumbai hospital with a severe urinary infection. “I am alive because of the doctors here. All I would say is that I will do whatever sir (referring to the doctor) asks me to. People will see the inspiration that I’ll give them,” Kambli had said in a video from his hospital bed.
Once regarded as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects, Kambli’s career ultimately fell short of expectations. After a promising start at the international level, his career came to an abrupt halt at the age of 28 despite several attempts to return.
He also underwent surgery in 2013 after suffering two heart attacks.
