Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli, once hailed as one of the brightest talents of the 1990s and often compared to his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar, continues to battle serious health issues, with fresh details revealing concerns about his neurological condition.

In December 2024, he was hospitalised at Akruti Hospital in Thane due to a urinary infection and cramps, sparking widespread concern across the cricketing fraternity. Several former players and well-wishers stepped in to offer financial assistance during that period.

While he is now recovering, sources close to him indicate that his health remains fragile. A close friend, Marcus Couto, has revealed that Kambli is dealing with a clot in his brain, which could potentially lead to a stroke.

"I have formed a WhatsApp group including his friends-mostly cricketers-and without taking names, they contribute a lot financially. His memory isn't good, but over the last six months, it hasn't declined either. He can't remember much, but when something clicks, he does. Otherwise, it gets difficult for him. Vinod has a clot in his brain, which cannot be removed because he did not take precautions early. And the doctor has suggested that he could have a brain stroke. Because of his willpower, he is conjuring whatever he can," Couto told Hindustan Times.

Couto also highlighted concerns over Kambli’s lifestyle struggles, despite him quitting alcohol.

"The doctor (the famous neurosurgeon Adil Chagla, also a former cricketer) is saying that the next stage would be a brain stroke. He has stopped drinking, but sometimes when he goes down, he asks those passing by to help him with a smoke. He would ask auto drivers for a cigarette, and they would gladly oblige, thinking they're helping 'The Vinod Kambli'. But they don't realise what harm they are causing. The damage is now not to his heart, liver or kidney; it's his brain. It causes imbalance."

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Doctors, including noted neurosurgeon Adil Chagla, have reportedly warned of the risk of a brain stroke if his condition worsens.

Despite the challenges, there have been small signs of recovery. Kambli has given up alcohol and recently featured in a commercial for an ice cream brand, according to reports.

His condition had drawn public attention last year when a video of him appearing frail during a meeting with Tendulkar at the inauguration of their coach Ramakant Achrekar’s memorial went viral. Shortly after, he was hospitalised following a health emergency.