Vinod Kambli Struggles with 'Severe Health Issues': Kapil Dev Offers Help with One Condition - 'He Must Complete Rehab for the 15th Time'

The viral video captured on social media displayed a heartwarming reunion between Kambli and Tendulkar at an event, where Kambli was seen holding onto Tendulkar tightly, unwilling to part ways despite the increasing crowd and the event moving forward. This latest video only heightened worries about Kambli's health, as it followed a previous viral video from August showing Kambli having difficulty walking.

"He has severe, multiple health issues," revealed Marcus Couto, a former first-class umpire who is close to Kambli, to Times of India.

“There's no point in him going for rehab—Kambli has already gone to rehab 14 times! Thrice we took him to a rehab in Vasai.” Couto, along with his brother Ricky, visited Kambli at his residence in Bandra after the August video, expressing deep concern over the ex-cricketer’s ongoing struggles with his health and addiction.

The support for Kambli has now come from an unexpected quarter. Despite Kambli’s well-known issues with alcohol addiction, which have distanced many of his cricketing colleagues over the years, members of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team have stepped forward to offer assistance. However, there is one crucial condition: Kambli must be willing to take the first step towards recovery.

“Kapil (Dev, captain of the 1983 team) has told me clearly that if he wants to go to rehab, then we are willing to help him financially," said former India seamer Balwinder Singh Sandhu.

"However, he has to check into rehab himself first. Only if he does that, we are ready to foot the bill, irrespective of how long the treatment lasts," Sandhu added.

The 1983 World Cup heroes had previously come together to support former opener and coach Anshuman Gaekwad during his battle with cancer, demonstrating the camaraderie that remains strong among the 1983 squad. Now, they are hoping Kambli will take the necessary steps to regain control of his life and health.