Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli celebrated Sachin Tendulkar’s 53rd birthday with a personal message and a return to the Shivaji Park where their friendship and cricketing journeys began. In a recent video with Dinshaw’s, Kambli looked back on their long association and delivered a line that caught the attention of fans.
“Yes partner, aaj celebration toh banta hai. Happy birthday partner,” Kambli said in the video, a greeting rooted in memories of their early years in Mumbai at the maidans where they grew up together.
Sharing the moment, Kambli said, “It’s a special day for me. I remember my partner Sachin Tendulkar every 24th April. We share incredible memories from our early days celebrating birthdays and conquering maidans together. That bond is unbreakable.”
He carried that sentiment back to Shivaji Park, spending time with young cricketers and sharing Dinshaw’s ice cream with them. The environment reflected the routines of their formative years, built on practice, perseverance and partnership.
The tribute also comes at a time when Kambli continues to struggle with serious health issues, although there are signs of physical improvement. in the middle of Sachin Tendulkar has joined the WhatsApp group created by close friends to provide financial and emotional support.
The initiative was spearheaded by Kamblia’s long-time friend Marcus Couto and includes former cricketers and cricket fans. Couto opened up about the support system around Kambli and his current state.
“I started a WhatsApp group including his friends and without taking their names, they are contributing a lot financially,” Couto told Hindustan Times.
“His memory is not good, but it hasn’t even decreased in the last six months. He doesn’t remember much, but when something clicks, he does it. Otherwise, it will be difficult for him,” he added.
Couto said Kambli’s condition remains delicate, even with the gradual improvement in mobility. He also noted that the former India batsman has stopped drinking, but other concerns remain.
“The doctor says the next stage would be a stroke. He has stopped drinking, but sometimes when he goes downstairs he asks passers-by to help him smoke,” Couto said.
“He asked the driver for a cigarette and they were happy to oblige, thinking they were helping ‘The Vinod Kambli’. But they don’t realize the damage they are causing. The damage now is not to his heart, liver or kidneys, it’s his brain,” he added.
But Kambli’s wife Andrea Hewitt dismissed the reports saying that his health is improving. “By the grace of God, Vinod is fine. I don’t know who is spreading false information about his health,” Vicky Lalwani told a journalist.
Kambli is now said to be able to walk more comfortably and has resumed light professional work, recently shooting for an advertisement. He spends most of his time at home with his family, occasionally visits care centers in Thane and continues to undergo regular medical check-ups.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
24 Apr 2026 14:08 IST
