Mumbai, April 15, 2025 – Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar stepped up Monday, rolling out Rs 30,000 monthly financial aid for former teammate Vinod Kambli, a day after their heartfelt reunion at Wankhede Stadium during an IPL match. The 51-year-old Kambli, battling health woes and money troubles, got a lifeline from Gavaskar’s 1983 World Cup trust, easing a saga that’s tugged at fans’ hearts (Hindustan Times).
Kambli, once India’s batting prodigy with 17 Tests and 3,561 domestic runs, met Gavaskar Sunday—his first public outing since a 2024 heart scare (The Indian Express). “I promised help, and it’s done,” Gavaskar told Times of India, footing the bill himself till the trust kicks in. Kambli, grinning ear-to-ear, said, “Sunny bhai’s family—means everything” (The Hindu). The aid covers meds and basics—Kambli’s Rs 7 lakh angioplasty drained his savings (India Today).
Fans flooded X—“Gavaskar’s a class act!”—but some sting: “Where’s BCCI?” (post:2). Kambli’s 1990s flair—two double tons by 24—faded amid injuries and scandals; he coached kids till health tanked (ESPNcricinfo). Mumbai’s 2024 Ranji win leaned on his early mentoring (The Economic Times). Gavaskar, 75, with 10,122 Test runs, quietly aids ex-players—Rs 5 lakh went to Anshuman Gaekwad in 2023 (Business Standard).
For India’s 1.5 crore cricket fans, it’s bittersweet—Kambli’s talent burned bright, then dimmed (BCCI). Will this spark his comeback, or just ease the pain?
