'I need assignments, I have a family to look after' - Vinod Kambli amidst financial crisis

If you are a fan of Indian cricket from the early 90s, you cannot be unfamiliar with the name Vinod Kambli. The flamboyant batter was often making the headlines for his playing style and also for his fashion sense. The 50-year-old previously used to have a gold chain round his neck, a bracelet in his hand and a grand watch in his wrist. However, with time, everything is gone as he is hard to be recognised these days.

Kambli’s fashion took a dip as the former India international is going through a financial crisis. With hardly any work in hand, Kambli’s only source of income is his pension from the BCCI. He earns INR 30,000 from the board but it’s been difficult for him to fulfil the needs of his family with that money.

The last time he coached a team was in 2019 in the Mumbai T20 League. He also guided youngsters at the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy at Nerul. However, it was difficult for him to travel so far. “I used to wake up at 5 am, and take a cab to DY Patil Stadium. It was very hectic. I would then coach at the BKC ground in the evening,” said the former cricketer.

The 50-year-old also thanked the BCCI for helping him with the pension. He, however, requested the MCA to help him with any job that’s related to cricket. “I need assignments, where I can work with youngsters. I know Mumbai have retained Amol [Muzumdar] as their head coach, but if anywhere I am needed, I am there,” he said.

Kambli added, “I was seeking help from the MCA [Mumbai Cricket Association]. I came into the CIC [Cricket Improvement Committee], but it was an honorary job. I went to the MCA for some help. I have a family to look after. I told the MCA many times that if you require me, I am there whether it is at the Wankhede Stadium or at BKC. Mumbai cricket has given me a lot. I owe my life to this game.” 

Sachin knows everything but I am not expecting anything from him: Kambli

Sachin Tendulkar and Kambli were inseparable at a point in time. Best friends from school went on to play for the nation but unfortunately had different paths to follow. Sachin went on to become one of the greatest cricketers of all time while Kambli was a forgotten hero. After his financial crisis began, Sachin tried to help him by giving him a role at the TMGA but that wasn’t enough for Kambli to meet the ends.

He ensured that Sachin is aware of his financial situation but he is not expecting anything from him. He’s happy that his friend is there for him in these difficult times.

“He [Sachin] knows everything, but I am not expecting anything from him. He gave me the TMGA [Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy] assignment. I was very happy. He has been a very good friend. He has always been there for me [places his hand on the academy logo],” said the former cricketer.

Kambli, who last played for India in the year 2000 doesn’t want to snitch someone else’s job to get one. He believes that opportunities should directly come to him and not by any other means. He also accepted that he recently borrowed some money from his friend to go back home.

“Yes, it hurts. I was not born rich. I came up in life only by playing cricket. I have got everything through this game. I have seen poverty while growing up. Khana nahi hota tha kabhi-kabhi [there would not be food on some days]. I would go to the Shardashram school, where I would eat food when the team met. That’s where Sachin stood up as a friend. I came from a very poor family. I miss my father and mother,” Kambli added.