Mumbai: Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli is currently showing significant improvement in response to treatment at a hospital in Thane, where he was admitted on Saturday in critical condition due to a severe urinary tract infection and an electrolyte imbalance, as reported by his attending physician.

At the age of 52, Kambli has faced various health challenges over the years. His recent appearance at the inauguration of a memorial for the late Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park in Mumbai raised concerns, as he seemed unwell. Achrekar was a pivotal figure in the development of both Sachin Tendulkar and Kambli as young batting talents. On Saturday, Kambli was brought to Aakruti Hospital in Thane by his supporter, Sailesh Thakur, who is also the hospital's director.

Dr. Vivek Dwivedi, who is overseeing Kambli's care, stated, "Upon his admission on Saturday, he was experiencing severe cramps, fever, and dizziness. He was unable to sit or walk and was drowsy at the time."

The investigation revealed that the patient was suffering from a urinary tract infection accompanied by an electrolyte imbalance. Specifically, sodium and potassium levels were slightly low, which contributed to the cramps he experienced. Additionally, his blood pressure was also on the lower side. Consequently, we initiated antibiotic treatment for him, as stated by the physician.

Dr. Dwivedi further noted, "He is currently showing signs of improvement and is doing well; however, he will require a few more days of hospitalization. He remains in the ICU due to the necessity for ongoing blood pressure monitoring. We anticipate transferring him out of the ICU either tomorrow or the following day."

When inquired about Kambli's stability, he responded, "At this moment, his condition is stable, though not entirely so. He was in a somewhat critical state on Saturday, but he has responded positively to the treatment and is now stable."

Despite some media speculation regarding brain clots, Dr. Dwivedi clarified, "We conducted a CT scan of the brain, which indicated the presence of old clots rather than new ones. There is also a documented history of stroke."

Kambli, who participated in 17 Test matches and 104 One Day Internationals from 1991 to 2000, has a known history of struggles with alcoholism. The doctor mentioned that Kambli's wife informed them he had ceased alcohol consumption. "We also considered that a chronic patient might exhibit withdrawal symptoms; however, he is not experiencing any such symptoms."

His remarkable 664-run partnership with Tendulkar during the Harris Shield school tournament in Mumbai in 1988 thrust both players into the national spotlight. While Tendulkar made his Test debut at the age of 16 in 1989 and continued to elevate his status in the sport, Kambli's promising start in 1993 diminished in the longest format after two years, largely due to disciplinary issues. He remained a part of the ODI team until 2000, although a significant ankle injury sustained during play hindered his progress.

Following Kambli's participation in the ceremony at Shivaji Park, numerous former Indian cricket legends have expressed their willingness to offer assistance to him.

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