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Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has once again shown that the spirit of cricket goes beyond the boundary ropes. The former India captain has stepped forward to help his old teammate and friend Vinod Kambli, who has been struggling with health and financial difficulties in recent times.
A video from December 2024 showing Kambli in a fragile and feeble condition went viral on social media, sending shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. Fans and former players expressed deep concern for the 53-year-old, who was seen struggling to stand up at a public event in Mumbai.
Amid growing concern, Gavaskar pledged to help the former India cricketer — and he has now fulfilled that promise. As reported by The Times of India, Gavaskar, through his CHAMPS Foundation, will provide Kambli with INR 30,000 per month for the rest of his life, starting April 1, 2025. In addition, the foundation will cover medical expenses of INR 30,000 annually.
The initiative reflects Gavaskar’s unwavering commitment to supporting former athletes who’ve fallen on hard times. The CHAMPS Foundation, which he established, has long been aiding retired sportspersons in need — and Kambli is now among those being supported.
The decision came after Gavaskar met Kambli at the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium in January. Despite his visible discomfort and difficulty in walking, Kambli made an emotional gesture by touching Gavaskar’s feet — a moment that deeply moved the cricket legend.
Anil Joshi, Gavaskar’s close friend, shared more details:
“Gavaskar had wanted to help Kambli ever since he learned about his deteriorating health last year. A day after their meeting at Wankhede Stadium, Gavaskar met two of Kambli’s doctors – Dr. Shailesh Thakur and another physician – and me. After being fully briefed on his condition, he instructed the CHAMPS Foundation to immediately begin financial and medical assistance.”
Vinod Kambli: A Talent Remembered
Kambli, once one of India’s brightest batting talents, had a short but impactful international career. He played 104 ODIs, scoring 2,477 runs at an average of 32.59, including 14 half-centuries and two centuries. In 17 Test matches, he amassed 1,084 runs at a stunning average of 54.20, with four centuries and three fifties.
Despite a promising start, his career was cut short due to form, fitness, and personal challenges. However, his early performances — including back-to-back double centuries in Test cricket — remain etched in Indian cricket history.
Sunil Gavaskar’s gesture is not just about financial support — it’s a reminder of what true sportsmanship and solidarity look like. 👏🏽❤️
