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'Vinod Kambli Should Support Himself': Kapil Dev Puts Condition For Helping Ex-Cricketer

Akshita Patel

Kapil Dev reacts to Vinod Kambli's viral video [Source: @Iam_neel, @therealkapildev/X.com]Kapil Dev reacts to Vinod Kambli's viral video [Source: @Iam_neel, @therealkapildev/X.com]

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Amid concerns over Vinod Kambli’s deteriorating mental and physical health, former World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev said he wishes to help Kambli given the latter takes the first initiative. He urged Kambli to get himself into rehab first before him and the rest of the 1983 World Cup winning team extends financial help.

Vinod Kambli, once touted as much superior talent compared to Sachin Tendulkar, saw his life turn upside down after fixing allegations. Having played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India, Kambli failed to recover from the rough patch and indulged himself into wrong habits.

Now, years later, several videos of him struggling to stay sane mentally and physically have gone viral. During an event in Mumbai, Vinod Kambli appeared mentally disturbed when he met his childhood best friend Sachin Tendulkar.

Kapil Dev firm on extending necessary help to Vinod Kambli

Given his deteriorating health, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said he is ready to help Vinod Kambli financially. Adding to this, former captain Kapil Dev also promised to support Kambli, given the former cricketer takes the first step. Speaking at Vishwa Samudra Open, Kapil Dev said that he can only help someone if that someone is ready to help himself. 

“We are all there to support him. Sunil Gavaskar has already told me on behalf of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, and I extend my help on my behalf, but more than me trying to support him, he should support himself. We can’t look after him if he does not want to look after himself,” he said.

In Kambli’s case, the former captain wants him to get himself checked into a rehabilitation centre. Once he took the initiative, the entire 1983 World Cup-winning team promised to cover all the expenses of his treatment.

A timeline of Vinod Kambli’s health battles

At 52, Vinod Kambli has faced a series of serious health issues, including heart problems and mental health struggles. His public battle with these challenges began in 2010 when his health started to decline. 

In 2013, he suffered a heart attack, which required an angioplasty to address two blocked arteries. Kambli has also been vocal about his struggles with depression. Reports have also suggested that his health was further impacted by alcohol-related issues. In recent years, Kambli has required multiple hospitalisation’s for medical interventions.