Old friend makes SENSATIONAL revelation on Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli reunion
Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli’s rare public appearance along cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has made most cricket fans emotional. The condition of Kambli’s health was evident in a viral video from their late coach Ramakant Achrekar’s birth anniversary.
During the video, Kambli was seen clinging on to his friend and former India captain Sachin Tendulkar, making everyone wonder if the former Mumbai southpaw was once again drunk. A close friend of Kambli, however, revealed that Kambli wasn’t actually drunk and has already been to rehab for alcohol addiction around 14 times.
Two friends, same talent: one a legend admired globally, the other a story of what could’ve been. Sachin Tendulkar thrives as a role model, while Vinod Kambli fades away. Talent gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. Choose wisely.
— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) December 3, 2024
“He has severe, multiple health issues,” Marcus Couto, a former first-class umpire, told Times of India newspaper. “There’s no point in him going for rehab – Kambli has already gone to rehab 14 times! Thrice we took him to a rehab in Vasai.”
“Kambli wasn’t drunk. He hasn’t touched alcohol in over a year. He was simply overwhelmed to meet Sachin after so many years,” Couto said. He said that Kambli had been enthusiastic about the event and meeting his old friend.
Couto had visited Kambli at his residence in Bandra back in August when the first video of him struggling to walk on the street went viral on social media. Kambli also received support from legendary Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev. However, Kapil made it clear that that Kambli must be willing to take the first step towards recovery.
“Kapil (Dev, captain of the 1983 team) has told me clearly that if he wants to go to rehab, then we are willing to help him financially,” said former India fast bowler Balwinder Singh Sandhu.
“However, he has to check into rehab himself first. Only if he does that, we are ready to foot the bill, irrespective of how long the treatment lasts,” Sandhu added.
Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli began their cricketing journeys on a promising note under the tutelage of Ramakant Achrekar. The duo put on a famous partnership of 664 runs for their school, Shardashram Vidyamandir, in a Harris Shield match while also registering unbeaten triple tons.
Kambli turned out in 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for Team India. He averaged 54.2 in Test cricket with 4 hundreds and over 2,400 runs in ODIs. In first-class cricket, Kambli averaged an amazing 59.67 with 35 hundreds and 9,965 runs.