Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has extended his support to former India batter Vinod Kambli. Kambli’s recent health has sparked concern among fans and cricketers. Gavaskar is currently in Adelaide as part of the commentary panel for the Border Gavaskar Series. He vowed to assist Kambli in getting back on track. He referred to Kambli as “like my son.”
People have become more worried about Kambli’s health after seeing several videos online. One clip shows the ex-cricketer holding onto Sachin Tendulkar at an event honouring their childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar. Another video captures Kambli having trouble speaking while singing a Bollywood tune. These scenes, along with footage from August showing him unable to walk, have created a troubling image of how he’s doing now.
“He is like a son to me”: Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar has pledged the collective support of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team to assist Kambli during this challenging phase.
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“The 1983 team is very conscious of the younger players,” Gavaskar told Sports Today. “For me, they are like grandsons. If you see their age, some are like sons. We are all very concerned, particularly when fortunes desert them. I don’t like the word help.”
“What the 83 team wants to do is take care of him. We want to take care of Vinod Kambli and help him get back on his feet. How we will do, we’ll see in future. We want to take care of cricketers who are struggling when fortunes don’t smile on them.”
Gavaskar emphasized that the goal is to ensure Kambli feels supported during a time when fortune has deserted him.
Kapil Dev Offers to Help
Gavaskar’s comments echo sentiments shared by fellow 1983 World Cup teammate Kapil Dev. According to former India pacer Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Kapil has offered financial assistance for Kambli to undergo rehabilitation.
“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,” Sandhu said. “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.
Kambli shares a storied connection with Sachin Tendulkar, his childhood friend and fellow Achrekar protégé. While Tendulkar’s career reached unparalleled heights, Kambli’s struggles have often overshadowed his cricketing achievements.
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