Mumbai: Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli made a public appearance at Wankhede Stadium during an Indian Premier League 2026 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, drawing attention amid ongoing discussions about his health.

Kambli, who has been recovering from recent health issues, was seen using a walking stick for support while attending the match. His presence at the stadium reassured many fans, even as concerns had been raised earlier about his condition.

Health concerns and conflicting claims

Recent reports had suggested that Kambli was dealing with a serious medical condition, including a brain clot that was reportedly affecting his memory. However, his wife, Andrea Hewitt, strongly denied these claims, stating that false information was being circulated about his health.

She maintained that Kambli is stable and dismissed the reports as misleading.

Friend cites medical condition and recovery efforts

Kambli’s friend and former umpire Marcus Couto had earlier claimed that the cricketer has been dealing with complications following a brain clot since a hospitalisation around 18 months ago. According to him, the condition has affected Kambli’s memory, although he continues to recover.

He also mentioned lifestyle changes, including reduced alcohol consumption, while noting that smoking remains a concern given medical advice.

Kambli has reportedly received support from close friends and members of the cricketing community. A support network, including a WhatsApp group led by Marcus Couto, has been helping coordinate assistance for his medical and personal needs.

Among those supporting him is Sachin Tendulkar, one of Kambli’s longtime friends, who is said to be part of the effort.

Family and future focus

Kambli attended the match with his family, who were described as being in good spirits. His son, Cristiano, has shown interest in pursuing cricket, and efforts are reportedly underway to support his training and development within the sport.

Despite ongoing speculation, Kambli’s appearance at a high-profile IPL match suggests he remains active and engaged. While his recovery continues, the visit to Wankhede Stadium provided a visible sign of improvement and drew support from fans and the cricket community alike.