In the cathedral of cricket in Mumbai, where the roar of the crowd usually belongs to the modern icons of the IPL, a quieter and more poignant moment took center stage on Wednesday night. Vinod Kambli, the man who once dominated this turf with flamboyant stroke play, made a rare and emotional return to the Wankhede Stadium.
The opportunity was there a big clash between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad April 29. However, for a section of fans near the pavilion, the real story was not the scoreboard but the sight of the former Indian left-hander back in his natural habitat.
Kambli’s arrival was a testament to his enduring spirit. Dressed in a simple white checkered shirt, brown trousers and trainers, the 54-year-old looked frail. He was dealing with well-documented health issues and needed the help of two companions to make his way around the stadium grounds.
Yet, despite the visible physical struggle, the typical Kambli mood remained intact. As he made his way to his seat, fans – many of whom grew up with stories of his record-breaking partnership – reached out to him with words of encouragement.
“Get well soon sir,” called one fan from the stands. Kambli didn’t just pass by; he paused, made eye contact and offered a firm thumbs up and “thank you.” It was a brief exchange, but it resonated deeply with those present, signaling that while the body may be tired, the connection to the game and its people remains unbroken.
Vinod Kambli came to the Wankhede Stadium today to watch the Mumbai Indians match. There was a time when he was considered an even better batsman than Sachin Tendulkar, but some bad habits ruined his career. It’s not a good feeling to see him like this today, but it was nice to see him pic.twitter.com/AJOMh1FTX3— (@rushiii_12) April 29, 2026
RESISTING MILL FUMES
This public appearance serves as a significant assurance to the cricketing fraternity. The month of April 2026 was a turbulent one for the Kambli household, marked by a flurry of disturbing news about his condition.
Earlier this month, there were rumors that the former cricketer had been admitted to the intensive care unit. Specifically, concerns were raised about a blood clot in his brain and the potential risk of a stroke. However, his wife Andrea quickly dispelled the gloom.
“By the grace of God, Vinod is fine. I don’t know who is spreading false information about his health,” she said.
While she acknowledged that his condition required care, she maintained that the situation was not as dire as the rumors suggested. Wednesday’s trip to the Wankhede seemed to confirm her attitude, showing a man who, while soft-spoken, is still mobile and eager to make contact with the world.
Kambli’s recent visibility is not limited to the cricket stands. Just last week, he featured in a heartwarming digital campaign for an ice cream brand to celebrate his lifelong friend Sachin Tendulkar’s 53rd birthday. Kambli was seen distributing goodies to children at the iconic Shivaji Park and seemed touched to be a part of the tribute to his “childhood hero”.
A robust support system was reportedly galvanized behind the scenes. A group of friends and former teammates led by former cricketer Marcus Couto are coordinating efforts to ensure Kambli receives the best emotional and financial care. Reports suggest that Tendulkar himself remains closely involved in monitoring the welfare of his former classmate.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
30 Apr 2026 08:17 IST
