Vinod Kambli, a former Indian cricketer, has recently gained attention for some tough challenges he’s facing in life, including health issues and financial troubles. Kambli, who is widely known as a childhood friend of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, played for India in 104 ODIs and 17 Tests. Unfortunately, he’s been struggling with various health problems lately. Just before Christmas in December 2024, he was taken to Akruti Hospital in Thane because of a urinary infection and painful cramps.
But that’s not all he’s dealing with. Kambli is also going through a serious financial crisis, which is particularly tough given everything else on his plate. When word got out about his struggles, Sunil Gavaskar, another former Indian cricketer and respected commentator, stepped in to help. At the launch event for the memorial of renowned coach Ramakant Achrekar in Mumbai in December 2024, Gavaskar made a promise to support Kambli during these hard times.
It’s heartening to know that Gavaskar is keeping his word. Reports from the Times of India, shared by Times Now, state that his CHAMPS Foundation will be providing Kambli with a monthly assistance of Rs 30,000 as well as an annual medical support of Rs 30,000. This will surely help ease some of the burden Kambli is currently facing. The two even caught up at the Wankhede Stadium during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the ground in January.
On another note, Kambli’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. Earlier this January, Kambli’s wife, Andrea Hewitt, shared that she had filed for divorce in 2023. But after seeing her husband’s difficult situation, she decided to withdraw her request for divorce. During a podcast with freelance journalist Suryanshi Pandey, she opened up about her conflicting feelings.
Andrea said she worried about leaving Kambli alone and helpless, describing him as someone who, at times, seems like a child in need of care. She expressed how hard it is for her to think about walking away when he’s going through so much. “It makes me feel anxious,” she explained. “I often found myself wondering, Has he eaten today? Is he resting comfortably? Is he doing okay? I just couldn’t shake off the need to check on him. It’s clear he needs my support right now.”
Through all of this, it’s clear that Kambli has a network of friends and family looking out for him, trying to help him through his darkest times.
