Former India batting stalwart Vinod Kambli, who was once touted as one of the greatest that game could see but squandered his talent and opportunities, has revealed that he is struggling financially and wants a job desperately that keeps his house running and fulfil his family responsibilities.
The left-handed batsman famously came along with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on the cricket scene in the 1990s as the two grew up together in the cricketing powerhouse of Mumbai and shattered school cricket records together to make it to the Indian team.
But as fate would have it, Vinod Kambli could not enjoy a long career for India despite making a promising start and faded in the memory of the selectors, who opted for younger batsmen and talent.
Vinod Kambli did play across formats for India in international cricket but he could not sustain the pressure and unlike his schoolmate and childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar.
The 50-year-old Vinod Kambli has revealed that he is struggling financially and is in desperate need of relevant work opportunities that will help him fulfil his responsibilities. The former cricketer has revealed that Rs.30,000 monthly pension from the Indian cricket board is his only source of income.
“I am a retired cricketer, who is completely dependent on the pension from the BCCI. My only payment [source of income] at the moment is from the Board, for which I am really thankful and grateful. It takes care of my family,”
he told Mid-Day newspaper in an interview.
“I need assignments, where I can work with youngsters. I know Mumbai have retained Amol [Muzumdar] as their head coach, but if anywhere I am needed, I am there. We have played together and we were a great team. That’s what I want them [current Mumbai team] to do…to play as a team.
“After retirement, there is no cricket for you. But if you want to stay steady in life, it is important to have assignments. I am looking for that from the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association),”
he said.