Former India batter Vinod Kambli is reported to be still undergoing treatment for ongoing health concerns. A few days ago, a close acquaintance raised alarm after claiming Kambli had a clot in his brain that had begun to disrupt his memory. However, his wife Andrea Hewitt has pushed back on the claims, insisting that false information is being circulated about his condition.
Key takeaways
- Concerns were sparked after reports that Vinod Kambli has a clot in his brain affecting his memory.
- Andrea Hewitt dismissed the claims as misinformation, saying Kambli is doing fine by God’s grace.
- Kambli attended the Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad game at Mumbai on Wednesday, with videos showing he needed support while walking.
- Former first-class umpire Marcus Couto said Kambli has had the brain clot since being hospitalised in Thane about 18 months earlier.
- Dr Aadil Chagla, who has been monitoring Kambli’s care, warned that smoking increases the risk of a brain stroke.
Kambli’s condition and the dispute over claims
A serious health alert emerged when Kambli’s friend alleged that the retired cricketer has a “clot in his brain” and that it has started to interfere with his memory. The claim created widespread concern, but Kambli’s family quickly responded.
His wife, Andrea Hewitt, called the reports lies and said someone was spreading misleading information about his health. She stated that, with God’s grace, Vinod is fine and that she did not know who was behind the false claims.
Return to cricket grounds: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Kambli was seen at the Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match in Mumbai on Wednesday. Footage from the venue showed that even while attending the game, he required assistance to walk.
Despite dealing with health issues, Kambli made the trip to back his friend Sachin Tendulkar’s franchise, Mumbai Indians. The sight of the former India opener supporting his team drew attention online, with fans noting how deeply cricket still matters to him.
He was also spotted at Wankhede Stadium to watch the match. Recalling his playing days, the reports noted that at one point Kambli was viewed as an even more promising batter than Tendulkar, though later issues and bad habits are said to have derailed his career. Those who saw him in person described the moment as unsettling, even as it was heartening to see him present at the ground.
What Marcus Couto said about the medical situation
It was Kambli’s friend and ex-first-class umpire Marcus Couto who first spoke about the seriousness of his situation. Couto said that since Kambli was hospitalised in Thane around 18 months ago, he has had a clot in his brain. He added that Kambli’s memory has been affected, describing a pattern where he recalls things and then forgets them.
Couto also claimed that Kambli has stopped drinking, though he may smoke at times. He further explained that smoking is completely off-limits for Kambli because it increases the risk of a brain stroke, citing guidance from Dr Aadil Chagla, a neurosurgeon who has been monitoring Kambli’s treatment.
According to Couto, Kambli appeared to be in decent health during the period in question, and he described the former cricketer and his family as being in good spirits. He said Kambli now uses a stick to get around and also mentioned that Kambli’s son, Cristiano, wants to become a cricketer. Couto said he asked Jatin Paranjape to enroll Cristiano at his cricket academy, and that the request was accepted immediately, with Paranjape agreeing not to charge for Kambli’s son.
Support network and fundraising efforts
Reports also indicated that a support structure has been set up by close friends to help Kambli. The help, described as both financial and emotional, is said to be coming from members of the cricketing fraternity.
A WhatsApp group led by Marcus Couto has been used as a meeting point for well-wishers, helping coordinate efforts and raise funds for Kambli’s care. The reports added that even Sachin Tendulkar—one of Kambli’s oldest friends—is part of the group.
