‘Sachin did everything for me’: Kambli opens up on health scare, reveals Tendulkar’s support

Plenty has been said about the career paths of childhood friends Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, with one going on to become one of the greatest batters of all time and the other fizzling out within years after a red-hot start, and continue the downward spiral long after his playing days were over. Not only has Kambli been dealing with a host of health issues that have been fuelled by alcoholism, his friendship with Tendulkar would also hit a rough patch later in his life, with many believing the batting maestro could have done more to ensure his friend did not fall on hard times.

Kambli, however, recently clarified that while he did accuse Tendulkar of turning his back on him at one stage, the former India captain did “everything” for him, including paying for his surgeries 10 years ago.

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“At that time, it came to my mind that Sachin didn’t help. I was extremely frustrated. But Sachin did everything for me, including paying for my two surgeries in 2013. We spoke, and childhood friendship came forward,” said Kambli on The Vickey Lalwani Show.

“Sachin told me how to play. I made nine comebacks. We are cricketers; we get hurt. When we get out, we also get hurt,” the southpaw added.

“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

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Kambli had recently made an appearance at the inauguration of the Ramakant Achrekar Memorial in Mumbai, which was attended by Tendulkar and several other ex-India and Mumbai cricketers. His frail appearance along with the fact that he was struggling to speak intensified concerns over his health among fans and former cricketers.

Members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team including then-captain Kapil Dev would later promise to take care of Kambli’s rehabilitation so long as he promised to take the first step towards his health. Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar too referred to him as his “son” and offered his support to him.

Also Read | Ex-India cricketer says he couldn't bear to see Kambli in his current condition, had tears in his eyes

The 52-year-old also opened up on a recent health scare caused by a severe urine infection that caused him to collapse about a month ago. Kambli added that his wife Andrea, son Jesus and daughter Johanna have stood by his side all along, helping him with his recovery.

“I am better now. My wife takes care of me a lot. She took me to three different hospitals and told me, ‘You have to get fit.’ My son picked me up when I collapsed and my daughter and wife stood by me throughout. The doctor told me to get admitted.

“I’m ready to go to rehab. I want to go there because I don’t fear anything. My family is with me,” Kambli added.