Vinod Kambli Turns 53: The Rise, Fall, And Current Status Of The Former Indian Cricketer

Last Updated:January 18, 2025, 06:30 IST

Vinod Kambli made his international debut in October 1991 in an ODI match against Pakistan.

Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar have been childhood friends, sharing a strong bond since their early days in Mumbai’s cricketing circles. (Images: vinodkambli2016/Instagram;File pic)

From being touted as one of the Indian cricket team’s brightest stars to dealing with health and financial difficulties, Vinod Kambli’s life has been full of ups and downs. Once earmarked as a phenomenal talent, Kambli’s life, of late, has been devoid of glitz glamour. He was recently felicitated by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on the opening event of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

A frail Kambli, struggling to walk, met Sunil Gavaskar at the event and greeted the legendary Indian cricketer by touching his feet. A video of the interaction went viral on social media.

As Vinod Kambli celebrates his 53rd birthday today, we take a look at his career, stats and life.

1. Vinod Kambli made his international debut in October 1991 in an ODI match against Pakistan. Kambli went on to represent India in 104 ODIs. He scored 2477 at an average of 32.59 and hit two centuries and 14 half-centuries in the 50-over format. He last wore the India jersey in ODIs in 2000.
2. In Test cricket, Vinod Kambli made his first appearance against England in January 1993. He featured in 17 Tests and scored 1084 runs at an average of 54.2. Kambli has four centuries and three half-centuries in red-ball cricket. He had even scored double-centuries in his third and fourth Tests. His last Test appearance came in 1995 during a game against New Zealand.
3. Vinod Kambli announced his retirement from international cricket in 2009.
4. Two years later, he retired from first-class cricket as well. Kambli made his first-class debut for Mumbai in 1989, playing 129 first-class games, bagging 9965 runs at an average of 59.67.
5. He also has 35 tons in first-class cricket. He was last been in action in the senior domestic cricket in 2004-05.

In December last year, Vinod Kambli reunited with his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar at the unveiling of coach Ramakant Achrekar‘s memorial at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. At the event, Kambli was seen holding Tendulkar’s hand firmly, not willing to let the Master Blaster go. Despite lacking clarity in his speech, Kambli even sang a song, dedicating it to his childhood coach.

In December last year, he was admitted to a hospital because of health complications, reportedly including urinary infection and cramps.