Sachin’s childhood friend Kambli appears in utter bad health, finds it difficult to walk
In a poignant and concerning scene captured on social media, former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli has left fans and well-wishers deeply shocked. A recent video circulating online shows Kambli struggling to walk, visibly disoriented and in need of support to move safely away from a street.
The once-dashing batsman, renowned for his close friendship with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, appeared to be grappling with balance issues in the footage. While some online commentators speculated about possible intoxication, others pointed out that Kambli has been facing physical health challenges lately.
Notably, Kambli had previously disclosed his financial struggles, revealing his reliance solely on a pension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to support his family. Expressing gratitude to Tendulkar for extending a helping hand through employment at the TMGA (Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy), Kambli emphasised that he asked for nothing more from his longtime friend.
The former cricketer's coaching stint at the 2019 T20 Mumbai League marked his last professional engagement. Since then, Kambli has appealed to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for any role that could provide financial stability.
Despite the challenges, Kambli's cricketing career boasts impressive statistics, including over 100 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 17 Test matches for India. His prowess extended to First Class cricket, where he amassed nearly 10,000 runs with a highest score of 262.
One of the defining moments of Kambli's career occurred on February 24, 1988, when he and Tendulkar, aged 16 and 14 respectively, achieved cricketing history by amassing a monumental 664-run partnership during the Harris Shield semi final for Shardhashram Vidyamandir. This partnership set a world record at the time, capturing the imagination of cricket enthusiasts globally.
Although surpassed later, this record remains a testament to Kambli's talent and his enduring connection with Tendulkar, who continues to be his good friend.
As concerns grow for Kambli's well-being, his fans and the cricketing community at large hope for his recovery and support during this challenging time. (With inputs from Agencies)