Vinod Kambli Says He's 'Feeling Better'; Thankful To Sachin Tendulkar For 'Blessings'

Ailing former India cricketer Vinod Kambli has spoken publicly for the first time after getting admitted to Thane's Akriti Hospital on Saturday (December 21, 2024) after his health condition worsened. The 52-year-old has thanked his old friend and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for "his blessings". (More Cricket News)

"I am feeling better now...I will never leave this (cricket) because I remember the number of centuries and double centuries I have hit...We are three left-handers in the family. I am thankful to Sachin Tendulkar as his blessings have always been with me...," ANI quoted Kambli as saying from the hospital, which is a private facility.

Medical examinations had earlier revealed clots in Kambli's brain. Dr Vivek Trivedi, who is treating Kambli, had told PTI on Monday that the Mumbai-based ex-India batter first complained of urinary infection and cramps, after which he was admitted to the hospital in the Kalher area of Bhiwandi town on Saturday.

But after a number of examinations, the medical team supervising him found clots in his brain. Kambli's health is being constantly monitored and the team will carry out additional medical examinations on Tuesday, the doctor was quoted as saying. Trivedi also said hospital in-charge S Singh had decided to provide life-long free treatment to Kambli at his medical facility.

Kambli, who played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India between 1993 and 2000, had recently attended the inauguration of his coach Ramakant Achrekar's memorial at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. During the event, he met Sachin and both of them shared an emotional moment.

Kambli has been battling health issues for more than a decade. The southpaw was part of the 1996 World Cup team as well as the 2000 Champions Trophy side that lost in the final to New Zealand.

He has been troubled by health setbacks and financial struggles post-retirement. Kambli had said in an interview off late that he was helped by Tendulkar financially. In that interview, he also revealed that he suffered two heart attacks in 2013, adding that the was battling a severe urinary infection. He has also struggled with alcoholism in the past.

"I had two heart attacks. My wife rushed me to Lilavati Hospital, and it was Sachin who helped me through it. He paid for my two surgeries in 2013," Kambli said during an interview on The Vickey Lalwani Show.

"There was a time I felt Sachin didn't help me, but I was frustrated. The truth is, he has done everything for me. Our childhood bond has always been strong."

(With PTI inputs)