Vinod Kambli Opens Up About His Health Struggles and Cherished Memories

In recent weeks, much attention has been drawn to the health challenges faced by former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli. Attending an event to honour the late Ramakant Achrekar—his coach and mentor alongside Sachin Tendulkar at Mumbai's Shivaji Park—Kambli appeared visibly unwell in viral social media clips. Now, the 52-year-old has shared details about his condition, revealing that he is recovering from a serious health scare.

Kambli disclosed that he has been battling a severe urinary infection but is on the mend, thanks to the unwavering support of his family. Reflecting on the difficult time, Kambli said his wife and children stood by him like pillars of strength. He also mentioned that former teammate Ajay Jadeja visited him during his recovery, a gesture that uplifted his spirits.

“I’m doing much better now,” Kambli shared during an interview on Vickey Lalwani’s YouTube channel. He described how his wife ensured he received proper medical care, taking him to multiple hospitals. “She told me, ‘You need to get fit.’ My son, Jesus Cristiano, helped me regain my strength, and my daughter and wife were there for me through everything,” he added. Recalling the incident, Kambli explained that he had collapsed a month ago after experiencing dizziness, prompting doctors to advise hospitalisation.

Reliving a Career Highlight

Amid the struggles, Kambli fondly remembered one of the defining moments of his cricketing career—his double century against England at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. “That knock of 224 is something I will always treasure,” he reminisced. With Achrekar Sir and his exceptional teammates like Anil Kumble, Rajesh Chauhan, and Venkatesh Prasad by his side, those were golden days for Indian cricket, he said.

Kambli also shared a lighthearted memory from his matches against Sri Lanka, recounting his banter with legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. “I used to tell him, ‘Murali, straighten your arms!’ and he’d respond in his own language,” Kambli recalled with a smile.

Despite recent health challenges, Kambli’s resilience and the support of loved ones have seen him through tough times. His fond recollections of cricketing glory serve as a reminder of his enduring legacy in Indian cricket.