Watch: Frail Vinod Kambli struggles to walk but touches Sunil Gavaskar's feet at Wankhede ceremony
Published - 15 Jan 2025, 12:00 PM
Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli attended a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium to celebrate its 50th anniversary despite his health struggles. A video circulating on social media shows Vinod Kambli struggling to walk but touching Sunil Gavaskar's feet during the felicitation for the stadium’s milestone.
Vinod Kambli, who played for India in 17 Tests and 104 ODIs, was admitted to Akruti Hospital in Thane on December 21 due to a urinary infection and cramps. However, doctors later discovered clots in his brain. The 52-year-old former cricketer was discharged on January 1 and is currently in the recovery process.
Watch: Vinod Kambli Struggles to Walk but Touches Sunil Gavaskar's Feet
Vinod Kambli made a public appearance by attending a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium for its 50th-anniversary celebrations. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) hosted the event, honoring cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kambli, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Wasim Jaffer.
During the ceremony, Kambli, who was unable to walk properly, walked towards the stage to collect his award with the help of two individuals. He struggled to walk but touched Sunil Gavaskar's feet. The former Indian batter smiled and posed for cameras after the touching moment with Gavaskar.
Good to See The Great vinod Kambli walking in his Feet 🙏🙏#50YearsWankhede#Vinodkambli pic.twitter.com/ckqsFRSkoa
— kumar (@KumarlLamani) January 13, 2025
I Would Advise That You Should Keep Working Hard - Vinod Kambli
After being felicitated, Kambli recalled his memorable double century at Wankhede Stadium against England. He shared that this was the beginning of many centuries in his career. Kambli also encouraged aspiring cricketers to work hard and stay dedicated, just as he and Sachin Tendulkar did from their childhood.
"I remember I smashed my first double hundred here against England and then went on to score many more hundreds in my career," he said.
"If anyone wants to play for India like me or Sachin (Tendulkar), then I would advise that you should keep working hard and never leave doing that because that's what Sachin and me did since our childhood days."
Today Was the Start of the Grand Celebration - MCA President Naik
MCA President Naik spoke about the significance of Wankhede Stadium's 50th anniversary, calling it a special occasion. He emphasized that the week-long celebration aims to educate the next generation about Mumbai's cricket history and the contributions of both men's and women's players.
"Wankhede Stadium's 50th anniversary is a special occasion for us. Today was the start of the grand celebration," Naik said.
"Our main goal behind this week-long event is to inform the next generation about Mumbai's cricket history and contributions of men's and women's players who played for Mumbai and inspire the young generation to take forward this legacy."
As part of the week-long celebrations, two exciting cricket matches were held featuring teams from MCA, SJAM, Consul Generals, and IAS Officers. The main event will showcase both Mumbai’s legendary men's and women’s players from domestic and international cricket.
The celebrations will also include appearances from cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar, and other stalwarts including Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, and Diana Edulji.
