The iconic Azad Maidan in Mumbai was more than just a field on December 5 (Thursday), when political heavyweights Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde took their oaths in a new political innings. This field, often associated with rallies, is also the cradle of cricket legends.
Back in 1988, two protégés of coach Ramakant Achrekar left an indelible mark here with a performance echoing worldwide. From February 23-25, the Harris Shield semifinal saw Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli scoring an incredible 664-run partnership for Shardashram Vidyamandir against St Xavier's High School.
During this iconic stand, Sachin remained unbeaten at 326 and Vinod at 349, breaking the previous record of 641 runs held by Australian players T. Puldon and N. Rippon. Years later, this was surpassed by Manoj Kumar and Mohammad Shaibaz's 721-run stand in Hyderabad. Additionally, Kambli's bowling brilliance was on display, taking 6 wickets for 37 runs.
This legendary partnership was pivotal for Sachin and Kambli's careers—bringing them into the Mumbai and national teams. In 1989, Sachin debuted against Pakistan in Karachi at just 16 years and 205 days. Kambli, however, had to wait until October 1991 to play his first ODI in Sharjah against Pakistan and his maiden Test against England at Eden Gardens in February 1993.
Source: aajtak
Vinod Kambli started his Test career spectacularly, scoring four centuries, including two double centuries, in his first seven matches. He still holds the record for the fastest 1000 Test runs by an Indian. Kambli completed 1000 runs on November 18, 1994, against the West Indies in just 14 innings.
Kambli also impressed in ODIs. He marked his 21st birthday on January 18, 1993, with a century against England in Jaipur, joining a select band of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli who have achieved this feat. In his last Test at 24, he was still dropped repeatedly from the ODI team.
Played Last Test at 24, Faced Exclusions in ODIs
With his dazzling batting, Vinod Kambli shot to fame overnight, earning comparisons with Sachin. But instead of scaling heights, his international career plummeted, leading to tough comebacks. Despite stellar domestic returns, his international form never revived.
Kambli made nine ODI comebacks but couldn’t return to Tests, where he'd earlier shone. His last Test was in November 1995, against New Zealand. Known for his striking shots, he hit a six off his first ball in the Ranji Trophy. His footwork against spinners was remarkable; he once hit Shane Warne for 22 runs in an over. However, short balls were his Achilles' heel, ultimately contributing to his career's decline.
After October 2000, Kambli wasn't picked for India's ODI team, with his last match against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. In 2009, he retired from international cricket, calling time on his first-class career in 2011. He played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India, scoring 1084 Test runs with an average of 54.20, including four centuries. He amassed 2477 runs in ODIs at 32.59, with two centuries and 14 half-centuries.
Controversies and Accusations of Lack of Support from Sachin
As Kambli's cricket career derailed, he drew attention for his party lifestyle and alcohol addiction. He made shocking claims on the reality show 'Sach Ka Saamna', isolating him from the cricket world, questioning BCCI and team selections in the 1996 World Cup, and alleging Sachin didn’t support him during tough times. Post-show, his relationship with Sachin reportedly strained.
Source: aajtak
Sachin didn’t mention Kambli in his 2013 farewell speech, a painful omission for Kambli, who expected a mention of their game-changing partnership. Left out of Sachin's farewell party, Kambli was further aggrieved. Sachin never openly commented on Kambli’s remarks, but in a 2014 interview, he noted the lifestyle differences between them.
Vinod Kambli’s personal life was tumultuous too. Marrying Noella Lewis in 1998 ended in divorce, followed by marriage to model Andrea Hewitt. They have a son and daughter. In July 2018, Andrea punched singer Ankit Tiwari’s father publicly, accusing him of inappropriate behavior. In 2022, Kambli was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence following a car crash.
Source: aajtak
Now nearly estranged from cricket, Kambli faces health and financial challenges, appearing much older at 52 and struggling to walk. Recently, at the unveiling of Ramakant Achrekar’s statue at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, Kambli attended with Sachin. In a heartfelt moment, Kambli held onto Sachin’s hand, reluctant to release him.
Read More: Emotional Moment as Kambli Holds Onto Sachin, See Video
Kambli ventured into coaching, reality TV, and politics but found little success. His life serves as a stark lesson: no matter how talented, lack of discipline can derail one’s journey. We hope that the BCCI, his cricketing peers, especially Sachin Tendulkar, lend him the support he badly needs.
