Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli has recently garnered attention due to his declining health and overall well-being. At a recent event in Mumbai honouring the legacy of coach Ramakant Achrekar, who mentored both Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar, the 52-year-old Kambli appeared frail and noticeably thinner, relying on Tendulkar for support. He struggled to sing at one point, and his speech was slurred, prompting concern among Indian cricket fans. Fellow former cricketers also expressed their worries, with members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team stepping forward to offer assistance. The esteemed Sunil Gavaskar referred to Kambli as "like my son" and pledged to help him regain his strength.

The 1983 team, led by Kapil Dev, is prepared to assist Kambli but has stipulated a condition. Initially, they requested that Kambli enter rehabilitation. However, Marcus Couto, a friend and former First-Class umpire, disclosed that Kambli has undergone rehabilitation 14 times and has abstained from alcohol for several years. Couto further mentioned that Kambli is facing multiple serious health challenges, though he did not elaborate on the specifics.

While former Indian fast bowler Balwinder Sandhu initially conveyed the message of support, Kapil Dev later addressed the situation directly. Kapil, widely regarded as one of India's greatest cricketers, emphasized that while he and his teammates are committed to assisting Kambli, they expect him to demonstrate equal effort and commitment to his recovery.

"More than us supporting him, he has to support himself. He first has to go back and look after himself. I am concerned as a sportsperson, and he has been going through a rough time," stated Kapil, who is also the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), during the launch of the Vishwa Samudra Open.

"We are all here to support him. Sunil Gavaskar has already communicated this on behalf of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, and I extend my help personally, but ultimately, he must take the initiative to support himself. We cannot do it for him."

Kapil Dev's indirect request to Sachin Tendulkar

The current condition of the cricketer has evoked deep sadness among his fellow players. It is my hope that his closest friends will take the time to be with him and motivate him to return to rehabilitation in order to overcome this illness, he expressed.

Kambli represented India as a left-handed batsman and also played for Mumbai and Boland in South Africa. He began his Test career with remarkable success, achieving consecutive double centuries that elevated his batting average to over 100 after just seven matches. However, his decline was equally well-documented. Although he possessed talent comparable to that of Tendulkar, Kambli's off-field issues and lack of discipline hindered what could have been a prolonged and prosperous career for the Indian team.

At the age of 28, Kambli played his final match for India, being part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. Additionally, he has served as a television commentator and cricket analyst for a Marathi news channel during the 2019 World Cup.

In November 2013, he was hospitalized in Mumbai following a heart attack. He experienced a medical emergency while driving, prompting him to stop the vehicle. A policewoman on duty observed the situation and facilitated his swift transport to the hospital, where he underwent angioplasty for two blocked arteries that year.

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