‘We can’t look after…’: Kapil Dev’s statement over Vinod Kambli goes viral

New Delhi: Kapil Dev, the legendary captain of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, voiced his deep concern on Monday regarding the hardships faced by former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli.

At the launch of the Vishwa Samudra Open, Kapil Dev, who also serves as the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), emphasized the significance of self-accountability. He remarked, “We can’t look after anybody if he can’t look after himself.”

His sincere comments reflect the increasing concerns about Kambli’s health and overall well-being.

Kapil emphasized the importance of Kambli taking responsibility for his own recovery, stating, “More than supporting him, he has to support himself. All the cricketers feel very sad seeing his current condition. I wish his closest friends would spend time with him and encourage him to go back to rehab, get rid of this illness.”

Kapil expressed his concern for Kambli’s health, saying, “He has to first go back and look after himself. I am concerned as a sportsperson, and he has been going through a rough time,” while assuring him of his support.

Kambli’s difficulties were visibly apparent at a recent public event held in tribute to his late coach, Ramakant Achrekar.

At the memorial, which was attended by his childhood friend and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Kambli was observed struggling with slurred speech and difficulty in maintaining his composure.

He emotionally held on to Tendulkar’s hand, highlighting the deep bond they’ve shared since their days at Shardashram Vidyamandir school, where they famously forged a record 664-run partnership in a Harris Shield match.

Kambli’s promising cricket career featured remarkable achievements, including two Test double centuries. However, his international journey was truncated, with just 17 Tests and 104 ODIs to his name.