Vinod Kambli’s rise to cricket stardom is followed by a dramatic fall, with his once-promising career giving way to health struggles and financial hardship
Life has a way of throwing unexpected twists, and the story of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli is a poignant reminder of its unpredictability. Once celebrated as a prodigy of Indian cricket, Kambli’s journey from fame and fortune to financial struggles is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Growing up in Mumbai’s cricketing heartland, Azad Maidan, Kambli was a star in the making. Many believed he possessed even greater talent than his childhood friend and cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar. Together, under the tutelage of the late Ramakant Achrekar, the duo honed their skills, earning recognition with a record-breaking 664-run partnership in a Harris Shield match in 1988—a feat that catapulted them into the national spotlight.
While Tendulkar debuted for India in 1989 at just 16, Kambli had to wait until 1991. But once on the international stage, he made an unforgettable mark. His back-to-back double centuries against England and Zimbabwe in 1993 were nothing short of spectacular, cementing his place as one of India’s brightest cricketing talents.
Kambli’s talent shone in his stats: an impressive Test average of 54.20, with four centuries in just 17 matches, and a solid ODI record of 3,561 runs in 104 matches. Yet, despite this dream start, his career faltered. Consistency eluded him, and he struggled to maintain his place in a competitive Indian lineup.
By the late 1990s, Kambli’s cricketing star began to fade. A combination of injuries, form issues, and personal challenges led to his premature exit from the sport, leaving fans wondering what might have been.
Off the field, Kambli’s life took a darker turn. At his peak, his net worth was estimated between $1 million and $1.5 million. But as cricketing opportunities dried up, so did his wealth. By 2022, his annual income had plummeted to just ₹4 lakh, with his primary support coming from a ₹30,000 monthly pension from the BCCI. Earlier this year, a video of Kambli struggling to walk went viral, highlighting his declining health.
