Sunil Gavaskar lends a helping hand to struggling Vinod Kambli

Vinod Kambli, a former Indian cricketer and childhood friend of Sachin Tendulkar, has recently drawn public attention due to his declining health and financial troubles. Kambli, who represented India in 104 ODIs and 17 Test matches was hospitalized in December 2024 at Akruti Hospital in Thane due to severe cramps and a urinary infection.

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During the unveiling of a memorial for their late coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar had pledged support to Kambli. Staying true to his promise, Gavaskar is now offering Kambli a monthly assistance of Rs 30,000 through his CHAMPS Foundation, along with an additional Rs 30,000 annually to help cover medical expenses.

The two cricketing figures met again in January 2025 during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Wankhede Stadium. Around this time, Kambli’s wife Andrea Hewitt, revealed in an interview with Journalist Suryanshi Pandey that she has filed for divorce in 2023 but decided not to proceed  after witnessing Kambli’s helpless condition. She shared that despite their strained relationship, she couldn’t abandon him, likening his vulnerability to that of a child and expressing deep concern for his well-being.