The memorial for the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park brought together some of the biggest names in Indian cricket, including Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli. The duo paid a heartfelt tribute to their late mentor, whose guidance shaped their illustrious careers. The emotional reunion between Tendulkar and Kambli struck a chord with fans, as the former teammates honored the man who played a pivotal role in their cricketing journeys.
While the event was a poignant celebration of Achrekar’s legacy, it also shed light on Kambli’s concerning health and personal struggles. Videos and pictures of Kambli at the memorial quickly went viral, sparking conversations about his current condition. Marcus Cuoto, a close friend and first-class umpire, opened up about Kambli’s ongoing health challenges and past attempts at rehabilitation.
“He has severe, multiple health issues. There’s no point in him going for rehab again—he has already been to rehab 14 times. We even took him to a facility in Vasai three times,” Marcus Cuoto shared, highlighting the severity of the situation.
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Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, also addressed Kambli’s struggles. Sandhu revealed that the cricketing fraternity is willing to extend financial support for his rehabilitation, provided Kambli takes the first step himself.
“Kapil (Dev) has made it clear that if Kambli checks into rehab, we are ready to cover the expenses, no matter how long it takes,” Balwinder Singh Sandhu stated, emphasizing their commitment to helping a fellow cricketer.
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Reflecting on Kambli’s cricketing career, it’s evident that his talent once promised greatness. In 17 Test matches, he amassed 1084 runs at an impressive average of 54.20, and in 104 ODIs, he scored 2477 runs, including two centuries and 14 fifties. However, his international journey ended prematurely, with his last appearance for India in 2000 against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. While the cricketing world fondly remembers his achievements, the recent developments serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by retired athletes.
