Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli has been diagnosed with clots in his brain though his vital parameters are stated to be normal, according to doctors treating him at Akriti Hospital in Mumbai.

Kambli, 52, was admitted by one of his fans, who also is an owner of the hospital in Kalher area of Thane district, with complaints of fever, cramps and restlessness. Tests revealed that a urine infection had led to other complications which necessitated hospitalisation.

Dr Vivek Trivedi, who is overseeing Kambli’s treatment, stated that a series of medical tests confirmed the presence of brain clots. “Kambli’s health is being constantly monitored, and additional examinations are scheduled for Tuesday,” Dr Trivedi, the hospital’s chief intensivist, said.

“We admitted him on Saturday evening. He was experiencing muscle cramps and dizziness at home... He had a high-grade fever when we brought him to the hospital and difficulty walking due to muscle cramps.

“On investigation, we found that he had a urine infection, and sodium and potassium deficiency which were causing muscle cramps. A brain scan revealed that he had old clots because he had suffered a stroke recently. We admitted him to the ICU because he also had low BP,” Dr Trivedi said.

“His vitals are stable but his treatment and physiotherapy are ongoing. We
are planning to discharge him in another 2-3 days,” the doctor added.

He also revealed that abnormality in Kambli’s brain has led to “irrelevant talk and behaviour” during the past few days.

“His brain’s condition is not stable... There are degenerative changes in his
brain. So, we are focusing more on rehabilitation,” said the doctor.

The former cricketer — who smashed four centuries, including two double hundreds, in his first seven Tests — also spoke to the media on Tuesday regarding his latest health scare.

“I was suffering from a urine issue, and it became severe. About a month ago, I collapsed due to dizziness. My son helped me back to my feet, and my wife and daughter came to assist,” Kambli said.

“It is because of the doctors here that I am alive... All I would say is that I will do whatever sir (referring to the doctor) asks me to. People will see the inspiration that I’ll give them,” he said.

Kambli, who played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs between 1993 and 2000, has faced numerous health challenges in recent years and underwent two heart surgeries in 2013 with financial assistance from long-time friend Sachin Tendulkar.

He had appeared at an event earlier this month commemorating his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar, where he joined Tendulkar at Shivaji Park to unveil a memorial.

His health appeared to be on the decline.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had also promised to help Kambli amid concerns over his physical and mental well-being after the function.

Gavaskar said that the 1983 World Cup-winning team would help Kambli.

“I think the ’83 team is very conscious of our younger players. They are like our sons. We are very concerned about our cricketers, particularly when fortune deserts them. So, I don’t think the word I want to help him is right. What the ’83 team wants to do is take care of him, and help him to get back on his feet,” the former India captain was quoted as saying.