MUMBAI: In a piece of big relief for his fans, former India batsman Vinod Kambli was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after receiving treatment for various health issues. Kambli was admitted to the Akruti Hospital in Kalhar area of Bhiwandi town in Thane on December 21 after his health deteriorated.
In an emotional sight, Kambli walked out of the hospital in India’s new ODI jersey and was greeted by his well-wishers.Holding a cricket bat, he even ‘played a few shots’ which were applauded by his fans. He was helped to the car and driven back to his Bandra home by Dr Shailesh Thakur, director of Akruti Health City Hospital in Thane and a ”die-hard’ Kambli fan.
“He’s fine now. I’m dropping him back home,” Thakur told TOI. Addressing a press conference before he left the hospital, Kambli said, “This doctor (Thakur) made me fit and I had stated that I would come back only when I am fit. I will show people in Shivaji Park that I Vinod Kambli will not leave cricket. These guys (at the hospital) gave me good cricket practice. I ‘hit’ only fours and sixes!” He also wished everyone a Happy New Year and appealed to fans to stay away from alcohol. “Enjoy the new year. Don’t drink alcohol. Enjoy life,” he said.
The 52-year-old Mumbai-born cricketer represented India in 121 international games from 1991 to 2000. Kambli scored 1084 runs in just 17 Tests at an impressive average of 54.20. He also registered four Test centuries, including double tons against England and Zimbabwe in 1993. The left-hander made 2477 runs in 104 ODIs at an average of 32.59, with two centuries and 14 fifties.
