Vinod Kambli, the former Indian cricketer, opened up about his health struggles and personal life in an emotional interview, following the viral video from the memorial event for his late coach, Ramakant Achrekar. The video, which showed Kambli in a frail state, had raised concerns among cricket fans about his deteriorating condition. The 1983 World Cup-winning team, led by Kapil Dev, expressed their willingness to help Kambli, but only if he was open to undergoing rehabilitation.
In an interview with entertainment journalist Vickey Lalwani, Kambli revealed that he was ready to enter rehabilitation for the 15th time if it would improve his physical and financial well-being. He shared that he was struggling with a urine disorder and had even collapsed a month ago.
“I am feeling better now. My wife has been taking great care of me. She took me to three hospitals and kept encouraging me to get fit. Ajay Jadeja also visited me, and that really helped,” Vinod Kambli said. He described the severity of his illness, saying, “I was suffering from a urine problem. It was just flowing uncontrollably. My son, Jesus Cristiano, helped me get back on my feet. My 10-year-old daughter and my wife also assisted me. A month ago, I collapsed and fell down after my head started spinning. The doctor suggested I get admitted.”
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Kambli also touched on his complex relationship with childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar. The two had distanced themselves for a while, with Kambli accusing Tendulkar of not supporting him during difficult times. However, they reconciled in 2009, and in 2013, when Kambli suffered a double heart attack, it was Tendulkar who financially supported his surgeries.
“Sachin Tendulkar did everything for me, including paying for my surgeries in 2013. My journey wasn’t perfect, but I gave it my all. I’m grateful for the support of my family and friends like Sachin and many others.”
~ Vinod Kamblipic.twitter.com/9P7ddP1L4F
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) December 13, 2024
“I was frustrated and angry, and that’s why I broke my friendship with Sachin. But in 2009, I took the first step to mend our relationship. I texted him, and we resolved everything,” Vinod Kambli explained. He went on to share the ordeal of his heart attack: “I suffered two heart attacks. I was driving when it happened. I collapsed while driving, and my wife, who was terrified, rushed me to the hospital. Sachin helped with the financial costs of my surgeries.”
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Reflecting on his career, Vinod Kambli recalled his unforgettable knock of 224 runs against England at Wankhede Stadium. “That double hundred at Wankhede is a memory I’ll always cherish. I had Achrekar sir by my side, and we had such a fantastic team,” he said. He also reminisced about his battles with Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, humorously recalling their friendly banter.
