Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli admitted at Akruti Hospital in Purna, Bhiwandi

THANE: Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, 52, was rushed to Akruti Hospital in Purna, Bhiwandi, on Saturday night after he complained of uneasiness, hospital authorities informed on Monday.
Kambli complained of fever, abdominal pain, among other complications at the time of admission, they added.

“I received a call from his family on Saturday informing me about Kambli complaining of dizziness, following which we immediately sent an ambulance to his Bandra residence and brought him to our Kalher facility,” said Dr Shailesh Thakur, Director of Akruti Health City Hospital in Thane.

Kambli underwent a battery of tests and treatment. “He has shown signs of recovery and is stable but continues to be in the ICU. We will be observing his health progress for the next few days and will foot his entire treatment bill,” said Dr Thakur, a ‘die-hard’ Kambli fan.
“These people [medical staff] are God… They made me walk again and I am also ready to sprint… I still face some cramps… but I know I won,” Kambli told the assembled media during a brief interaction from his ICU bed on Monday.

Dr Thakur said that he was moved by Kambli’s condition in some of his videos that went viral on social media. The first video, probably shot sometime in August this year, shows Kambli struggling to walk properly, while the second one shows the former cricketer clutching his childhood friend and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s hand and trying to strike a conversation during a ceremony dedicated to cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park.

“My generation and I grew up idolising Kambli and his prowess on the cricket pitch and his efforts for our Indian team for several years until his retirement. I was pained by his present health condition and instantly decided to take up the responsibility of his treatment for his lifetime,” said Dr Thakur.
The hospital said they were in touch with Kambli’s family for the last few days and assured them of complete medical assistance for life. It may be recalled that Kambli was struggling with health issues since his retirement from sports and has reportedly been compounded by financial troubles.