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Vinod Kambli has accepted Kapil Dev and his 1983 World Cup-winning team's suggestion to undergo rehabilitation for the 15th time in his life. Kapil and Co. had made an offer to help Kambli get back on his feet, but only if the former India batter was willing to take the appropriate steps and undergo rehabilitation. Kambli freely embraced his old India teammate's idea, stating that he is fearless as long as he is with his family before stating, "I owe it to them and to myself to fight through this."
Recently, legendary cricket Sunil Gavaskar offered his support to Kambli and emphasized to take the first step towards getting into a better health condition. Concerns over Kambli's health grew following his fragile appearance during the inauguration of the Ramakant Achrekar Memorial in Mumbai, which was attended by Tendulkar and other former players. Members of the cricketing fraternity, notably 1983 World Cup winner Kapil Dev, showed their support for Kambli's on his path to recovery.
Not struggling to meet ends meet, but financial condition is "bad": Vinod Kambli
Vinod Kambli, while attending The Vickey Lalwani Show, confessed while he is not struggling to make ends meet, but financial condition is "bad". After a health concern, Kambli admitted in 2022 that his only source of income is the BCCI's pension of ₹30,000 per month. With two children to care for, Kambli, who has already gone to rehab 14 times, is eager to try again if it means his health and financial state improves.
"But how my wife has handled everything, hats off to her. [Sunil] Gavaskar was the first to react (to Kapil Dev's offer). Sure, I have no hesitation to undergo rehabilitation, because until I have my family with me, I'm not afraid of anything, anybody. I will complete it and return. I will come back," he remarked, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Vinod Kamli admits Sachin Tendulkar has been a pillar of support
Former Indian cricketer also mentioned how his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar has been a pillar of support. Much has been written about Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, boyhood buddies whose careers have diverged dramatically. While Tendulkar rose to become one of cricket's best batters, Kambli's career, despite a promising start, faded after a few years.
"I had two heart attacks. My wife rushed me to Lilavati Hospital, and it was Sachin who helped me through it. He paid for my two surgeries in 2013," Kambli said."There was a time I felt Sachin didn't help me, but I was frustrated. The truth is, he has done everything for me. Our childhood bond has always been strong," he added.
