Vinod Kambli has accepted the proposal from legendary cricketer Kapil Dev to enter rehab.
Kapil Dev and his teammates offered to help Kambli get back on track on condition if he was willing to take the necessary steps and enter rehabilitation.
Kambli has openly welcomed the suggestion from his former teammate and stated that as long as his family is by his side, he fears nothing.
Kambli acknowledges that he needs all the support he can get. Although he is not struggling to make ends meet, his financial situation is in a poor state.
While speaking about his financial condition, Kambli said, “Bad.”
“But the manner in which 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 enter rehab), 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,” Kambli said.
Kambli made headlines about two weeks back when his visuals during the unveiling of Ramakant Achrekar’s memorial emerged.
Kambli looked to be struggling, his actions leading to speculations about his health. Kambli did get into trouble a month ago but is now doing better. In less 48 hours, the Indian cricket fraternity came together to help Kambli with Kapil Dev’s leading the pack.
“Jadeja is a very good friend of mine. He came to meet me and said ‘Come on, get up’. A lot of people have called me lately. Everyone saw me,” Kambli added.
“Definitely, they [BCCI] will help. Abey Kuruvilla (former India pacer) is with BCCI, he is in touch with me, and he is also in touch with my wife.”
Kambli has no shame in admitting that excessive drinking landed him in trouble in the first place but informed that he hasn’t consumed a single drop of alcohol lately. This was also verified by Kambli’s friend and former FC umpire Marcus Couto.
“No, no. I had stopped drinking and smoking six months ago. Did it for the sake of my kids. I used to do it earlier, but I’ve left it behind now,” said Kambli.
“I’m ready to go to rehab. I want to go there because I don’t fear anything. My family is with me,” he said before adding, “Abhi health complete karunga and wapis ayunga (I will complete all the health-related issues medically and come back). I will come back, I’am telling you.”
Kambli first grabbed the limelight when he along with Sachin Tendulkar put on a record of 664-run stand in Harris Shield match in Mumbai in 1988.
With two Test Double Hundreds (against Zimbabwe and England) to his name, Kambli’s early success was marred with controversies and off-field issues. Kambli has played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs.
