Former India batter Vinod Kambli’s life has often been described as a tale of “riches to rags.” Once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, Kambli’s career faded due to an undisciplined lifestyle and poor health choices. In December last year, he was hospitalized at Akruti Hospital in Thane for a urinary infection and cramps, sparking public concern and financial support offers from prominent figures. Kambli, a close childhood friend of Sachin Tendulkar, represented India in 104 ODIs and 17 Tests, yet his talent never fully translated into a long international career.

Recently, a remarkable story about Kambli and Tendulkar surfaced from their early cricketing days in England, shared by Solly Adams—who helped arrange Sachin's Yorkshire contract in 1992. At the time, Kambli was already playing for a local club and had made quite a name for himself. In a conversation with The Indian Express, Adams revealed that Kambli once turned down a part-time job despite earning just £25 per match, citing his focus on playing Test cricket for India.

“One day we were sitting, 10 cricketers. All of them had part-time jobs except for Vinod and Sachin,” Adams said. “So a cricketer from Mumbai asked Vinod, ‘Since you only earn 25 pound a match, why don’t you work at one of Solly’s places?’ Kambli didn’t think for a minute; pat came his reply: ‘I and Sachin will make money playing Test cricket; I don’t want to divert my attention doing part-time jobs.’ That was exceptional—what confidence. He was very young, far from being a Test batsman, but he had the confidence.”

Kambli’s Bold Personality and Raw Talent Remembered

Adams added, “Vinod, when he returned to India, took all the money from his father and spent it with his friends... Vinod never cared about money, nor did he have any respect for commodities.” His carefree attitude might have cost him stability, but it also underscored his singular focus on the game—at least during his early years.

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Kambli's other friend, Nasa Hussain, also spoke about his incredible batting talent. “As a South Asian, Sachin joining Yorkshire was big news. I’ll tell you what was better—he brought along with him his friend Vinod Kambli, who played in our league. I’ve never ever met a person who hits the ball as hard as he used to,” he said. “He just ran down the track and hit the first ball for six, and you think, ‘well okay.’ Young man from India, never seen before, never heard of before, and he just comes and smashes it. Subsequently, he went on to score two double-hundreds against England. That was some talent. In today’s day and age, that guy would have been a multi-millionaire.”

The amount of talent Vinod Kambli possessed, cricket fans are still wondering how massive he could be. Without a disciplined daily life or routine, no one can sustain for a long time; Kambli was not exceptional. Still, at present, his controversial lifestyle has become a talking point among cricket fans.

The downfall of Vinod Kambli is a lesson for every budding sportsman, especially for the young cricketers. Former cricketer and father of former India international Yuvraj Singh, Yograj Singh has recalled some incidents about Vinod Kambli.

Yograj claimed on camera that he warned Kambli multiple times about his bad habits and poor lifestyle, but Kambli was then in a different dimension and did not care about any suggestions.

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Singh said in an interview, "I suggested Vinod Kambli stop partying, smoking cigarettes, and going to the girls; otherwise, you will be finished, and you will be crying." He told me that now he is the king and that my time is over." 

Played his last Test before 24

When Kambli was young and about to come under the spotlight, people were crazy to see his footwork. The Mumbaikar's Test career took very little time to launch. In his first seven Tests, he got two double centuries and two single ones. During that cricketing era, Kambili's batting style and flashy shot-making were new to the cricket world.

Once, he smashed legendary Shane Warne for 22 runs in an over but played his last Test in 1995 before he had turned 24. In fact, he never got the chance to play an ODI match for India after October 2000 and retired from international cricket in 2009. 

Watch the interview here

🚨INSIDESPORT EXCLUSIVE🚨

YOGRAJ SINGH SAID:

“I suggested Vinod Kambli to stop partying, smoking cigarettes and going to the girls, otherwise you will be finished and you will be crying. He told me that now he is the king and that my time was over” #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/hx0KQNBVzC

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) June 11, 2025

The CHAMPS Foundation established by Sunil Gavaskar has provided eternal financial support amounting to Rs 30,000 monthly for former cricketer Vinod Kambli starting from April 2025. Additionally, the foundation will fund medical care worth Rs 30,000 annually starting in the same year. Sunil Gavaskar's CHAMPS Foundation has provided vital financial assistance to Vinod Kambli through The Times of India news story because he experienced major health and monetary problems in his recent years. Kambli's renowned explosive batting capabilities have earned him sympathy from the cricketing community, after which Gavaskar's initiative demonstrates their care for one of their fellow cricketers.

The Wankhede Stadium's anniversary celebration in January 2025 created the impetus leading Gavaskar to make his decision. Kambli approached Gavaskar for respect after recovering from his health crisis therefore, the former captain took immediate action. Gavaskar fulfilled the promise from the December 2024 ceremony when he launched foundation support for Kambli following his consultation with the doctor the day after.

The cricketer Kambli struggled with multiple health complications after playing 17 Tests and 104 ODIs and having scored 1,084 and 2,477 runs, respectively, as he survived two heart surgeries in 2013 while also experiencing a hospitalization in December 2024 due to a urinary infection with brain clots. A lack of financial resources forces him to depend on a Rs 30,000 periodic payment from the BCCI since he lost his employment after COVID-19 struck.

Post-retirement, Kambli sampled coaching, reality TV, and even politics but did not find success in any of these areas. He loved the game but never found a way to get meaningful work in Indian cricket. Kambli showed remarkable determination through his hospital dance video that went viral and his energetic public appearances, which deepened fan affection.

Vinod Kambli was seen dancing in hospital; Video goes viral | #WATCH #ViralVideo #Viral #VinodKambli pic.twitter.com/0LPAw8rUVw

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 31, 2024

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A Legacy of Compassion

Through his CHAMPS foundation, established in 1999, Sunil Gavaskar has extended support to several former athletes, including Vinod Kambli. Kambli, who now joins the late Salim Durani and others as beneficiaries, has found some financial relief thanks to Gavaskar’s compassionate gesture. This move reflects Gavaskar’s deep personal commitment to helping his fellow cricketers, treating them like family in times of need.

The support also showcases the enduring solidarity within the cricketing fraternity, especially from legends like the 1983 World Cup squad. Their collective effort to uplift struggling players like Kambli sends a powerful message—one of hope and unity. While symbolic, such acts carry emotional weight, reminding the nation that cricketing heroes, no matter their circumstances, will always be remembered and respected in India’s cricket legacy.

Former Indian batting legend Vinod Kambli has been battling severe health complications lately. The 52-year-old was recently admitted to Thane's Akruti Hospital after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Upon closer examination, the medical professionals revealed that not only was the legendary cricketer suffering from a urinary tract infection but also brain clots thus raising alarming concerns about his health. 

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Vinod Kambli conveys special thanks to the doctors for saving his life

Kambli's deteriorating health remains a concern for many of his loved ones including his ardent fans. But despite battling several health challenges upfront, the ex-cricketer seems to be holding up well. Kambli, in his maiden statement after being admitted thanked the doctors for their continued efforts in restoring his degrading health. Moreover, S Singh, the hospital in-charge also assured Kambli of life-long free treatment.

"I am alive because of the doctors here. 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."

At the time of his admission, Kambli was in a poor mental condition. He was observed to have been suffering from fever and dizziness and appeared very drowsy upon his arrival at the hospital. But Dr Vivek confirms that the cricketer is now in a position to respond to the doctors, hospital staff, and fans, serving as an indication that he is on the slow path to recovery.

"When he was admitted on Saturday, he was having massive cramps along with fever and dizziness. He was not able to sit, and was not able to walk. He was also drowsy at the time of admission. "We did all the investigation and after that came to know that he was having a urinary tract infection along with electrolyte imbalance. Sodium was a bit on the lower side, potassium was on the lower side. That was the reason for the cramps. His BP was also on the lower side. We started him on antibiotics."

More on Kambli's deteriorating health condition 

Kambli's health has been sliding downhill for quite some time now. However, serious concerns sparked when the ex-cricketer was spotted with his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar during the unveiling ceremony of Achrekar's stature. Since then, more visuals of him emerged where was spotted walking with a lot of discomfort without the support. Besides, this was not the first time Kambli was admitted to the hospital. 

In a recent interview, he revealed he was admitted to the hospital about a month ago after he collapsed on the ground.

“I was suffering from a urine problem. It was just flowing. My son, Jesus Cristiano, picked me up and brought me back to my feet. My daughter, who is 10 years old, and my wife came to help me. This happened one month ago. My head started spinning; I collapsed and fell down. The doctor told me to get admitted."

The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar met with his longtime friend and former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli at the unveiling of their coach Ramakant Achrekar's memorial in Mumbai. 

On Tuesday (December 3), Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, and many more popular persons were present at Ramakant Achrekar's memorial unveiling event. A video is going viral where Tendulkar met with his old friend Kambli.

In recent times, Kambli was in the news for his health deterioration. Last August, a video went viral where Kambli seemed disoriented as he was struggling to walk. Fans were shocked after watching that viral video. 

VIDEO | Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) met his childhood friend and former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli at the unveiling ceremony of memorial for legendary cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/uTgW0MIfax

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 3, 2024

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Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli are childhood friends

Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli were two of the greatest students who were trained by Ramakant Achrekar. Achrekar’s other trained popular Indian cricketers were Ajit Agarkar, Chandrakant Pandit, Ramesh Powar, Pravin Amre, etc. 

Tendulkar and Kambli’s friendship had already shined before their international cricket debut. During a Lord Harris Shield inter-school game against St. Xavier's High School in 1988, Sharadashram batters Tendulkar and Kambli set up an unbroken 664-run partnership. Kambli scored 349 runs, and Tendulkar scored 329 not out.

Tendulkar and Kambli played 114 international matches together

While Tendulkar made his international cricket debut in 1989, Kambli made his international debut in 1991. Both shined in their early international career. Tendulkar became a legend who enjoyed international cricket for more than two decades and set many great batting records, along with playing an important role during India’s title-winning journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. 

On the other hand, Kambli slowly moved away from the limelight due to his continuous poor form with the bat. He played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs, where the left-handed batter scored 1084 Test runs and 2477 ODI runs. His Test batting average was 54.20, and his ODI batting average was 32.59. While he played his last international cricket match in 2000, he last played his professional cricket match in 2004. His first-class batting average was 59.67, and his List A batting average was 41.24. 

Kambli and Tendulkar played together in 114 international matches, including 17 Tests and 97 ODIs.