Sachin Tendulkar Meets Vinod Kambli in an Emotional Reunion
Vinod Kambli’s health and financial troubles came to light at a memorial event, with the 1983 World Cup team offering help if he goes to rehab.
A recent video from the inauguration of a memorial for the late cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai has left fans and ex-cricketers concerned about former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli. The event, held on 3rd December 2024, was meant to honour the legendary coach who mentored both Kambli and his childhood friend, Sachin Tendulkar.
While the inauguration was significant, it was the meeting between Sachin Tendulkar and Kambli that caught the public’s attention. A video shared by Shivaji Park Gymkhana went viral, showing Kambli struggling with his health. In the video, Kambli appeared weak, disoriented, and had difficulty walking. When Sachin approached him, it took Kambli some time to recognize his childhood friend. Once reminded, Kambli became extremely happy, shaking Sachin’s hand but unable to stand up from his seat.
Kambli then grabbed Sachin's hand and elbow, not letting go as he spoke to him. A man in a white shirt had to intervene, gently releasing Sachin’s hand and suggesting that he move away from the situation.
A second video showed Kambli attempting to pay tribute to his late coach, but his speech was unclear and hard to understand. When he tried singing his coach’s favourite song, the lyrics came out slurry and muddled. This has left many, including former cricketers, the media, and fans, worried about Kambli’s physical and mental health.
Apart from his health struggles, Kambli is also facing serious financial difficulties. Once considered a wealthy cricketer with an estimated net worth of $1 - 1.5 million, Kambli's fortune has sharply declined after his retirement due to personal and financial troubles. By 2022, his income had fallen to just ?4 lakh annually, and he now survives on a monthly BCCI pension of ?30,000.
Reports suggest that Kambli’s alcohol addiction has strained his relationships with friends and colleagues, and many have reportedly given up on him. However, after the viral video, the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team stepped in to offer help. They have made it clear that they are willing to support Kambli financially, but only if he chooses to go to rehab on his own first.
Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a member of the 1983 World Cup team, shared that Kapil Dev, the captain of that team, had promised to help Kambli with rehab costs, no matter how long the treatment takes. Sandhu also revealed that not many were willing to help Kambli due to his addiction, mentioning that Kapil Dev had a bad experience trying to help Kambli in the past, when Kambli had not shown up for a job he had been offered as a cricket expert on a news channel.
However, Kambli’s childhood friend, former umpire Marcus Couto, defended him, claiming that Kambli had not been drunk at the event and hadn't consumed alcohol in over a year. He explained that Kambli's behavior was due to his emotional and enthusiastic reaction during his meeting with Sachin. He added that Kambli is suffering from multiple severe health issues and that sending him to rehab again would be pointless, as Kambli had already been through rehab 14 times.
Sunil Gavaskar, another member of the 1983 World Cup team, also expressed his concern. He said that the team wants to take care of cricketers who have lost their fortunes and are struggling, but he preferred not to use the word ‘help.’ He added that Kambli is like a son to him, and they want to ensure his well-being.
This situation has sparked a broader discussion about the challenges faced by former cricketers and the importance of supporting them through tough times. As Kambli’s health and financial difficulties continue, many are hoping he receives the help and care he needs to recover and rebuild his life.
