Sunil Gavaskar's foundation set to support ailing Vinod Kambli

Ex-India batter Vinod Kambli has been struggling with serious health issues for quite some time. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has decided to come forward to support him through his CHAMPS Foundation, which was launched in 1999 to help needy former international sportspersons.

The 53-year-old Kambli will receive monthly assistance of INR 30,000 for the rest of his life. This process commenced on April 1. In addition to this, the foundation will offer an annual INR 30,000 for his medical expenses.

The Times of India (TOI) mentioned these details in the latest report. For the unversed, Gavaskar met Kambli during the Wankhede Stadium's 50th-anniversary celebration earlier this year in January. Kambli touched the feet of the legendary cricketer, seeking his blessings. This gesture was widely shared by fans on social media.

On December 21, 2024, Kambli was hospitalised for a couple of weeks after being diagnosed with a urinary infection. Dr. Shailesh Thakur, director of Akruti Health City Hospital in Thane and a fan of Kambli, provided critical care and treated the Mumbai-born.

In a video made by Kambli's wife, Andrea Hewitt, the former left-handed batter can be seen expressing his gratitude: "Thank you to Sunil Gavaskar. Namaskar."

"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 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," Gavaskar's long-time friend and ex-Nirlon teammate Anil Joshi stated.

Kambli played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs in his international career for India. He scored 1,084 runs in Tests and 2,477 runs in ODIs. Kambli's highest international score is a 301-ball 227 he amassed against Zimbabwe in a one-off Test match in Delhi in 1993.

The former left-handed batter was considered one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket during his younger days. He had a fine start to his international career, but disciplinary issues and inconsistency played major roles in making him one of Indian cricket's biggest "what could have been" stories.