Once seen as one of Indian cricket’s brightest stars, Vinod Kambli’s downfall remains one of the most tragic stories in Indian sports. Despite early success, Kambli’s choices off the field overshadowed his potential. Recently, former cricketer Yograj Singh revealed that he had personally warned Kambli about the dangers of his lavish lifestyle—but the advice was ignored.
“I told him to stop partying, smoking, and chasing glamour. But he said, ‘I am the king now.’ That’s when I knew he wouldn’t last,” said Yograj in a chat with InsideSport.
Kambli’s Rise: A Start Like No Other
Vinod Kambli burst onto the international scene in 1993 with a storm. After a solid debut against England, he smashed back-to-back double centuries—224 in Mumbai and 227 in Delhi—making headlines across the cricketing world. At one point, his average even surpassed that of Don Bradman.
He followed up with centuries against Sri Lanka and became the talk of Indian cricket. His early career included 4 Test centuries in just his first 7 matches, a feat few can match.
Fall from Grace: Lifestyle Took Over Cricket
However, Kambli’s career took a turn as his focus shifted off the pitch. His association with parties, smoking, and fame led to a rapid decline. He made nine comebacks between 1993 and 2000—more than any other Indian cricketer—but none could bring him back to his peak.
Friction with childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar—a bond that once defined India’s cricketing dreams—added to his troubles. While Tendulkar became a global icon, Kambli struggled to stay relevant. Their friendship soured but was later repaired.
Recent Health Scare and Public Concern
Kambli reappeared publicly at the unveiling of the Ramakant Achrekar memorial in Mumbai. His frail condition alarmed fans. Shortly after, he was hospitalized with multiple health issues including a urinary infection. Thanks to treatment at Akruti Hospital, Thane, he was discharged and has since remained out of the spotlight.
In 2022, Kambli admitted in an interview that he was struggling financially and finding it hard to make ends meet. While he was once associated with Tendulkar’s Middlesex Global Academy, that opportunity was short-lived.
A Reminder for Young Cricketers
Kambli’s story is a powerful warning. His downfall has been compared with other young stars like Prithvi Shaw, who also faced early hype but now fights for a return. Talent alone is never enough—discipline, focus, and humility are crucial.
Even now, fans and former teammates hope Kambli finds a new chapter. His story may be one of missed chances, but it still carries the potential for redemption.
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