Vinod Kambli gets helping hand as Sunil Gavaskar steps in; here’s how much ex-India star will get from legendary batter

Vinod Kambli will be getting ₹30,000 per month from Sunil Gavaskar's CHAMPS Foundation for the rest of his life and also an annual amount of ₹30,000 for medical expenses, in what comes as a welcome development for the ailing former India cricketer. Kambli, who rose to fame along with Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian team, recently came into limelight for his ailing health.

Both Kambli and Gavaskar were pictured together during the inauguration of legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar's memorial at Shivaji Park in Mumbai last year. During the event, Gavaskar had promised to help the ailing cricketer.

The 75-year-old now has kept his promise as Kambli is set to receive the monthly aid. The former left-hander has been receiving ₹30,000 as a pension from the BCCI. With the CHAMPS Foundation's help, Kambli's monthly income will increase to ₹60,000.

According to a TOI report, the day after Gavaskar met Kambli in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium during the Mumbai Cricket Association's 50th anniversary celebration, the Little Master met the ailing cricketer's doctors who have been treating him.

“Gavaskar had wanted to help Kambli ever since he learned about his deteriorating health last year. A day after their meeting at Wankhede Stadium, Gavaskar met two of Kambli’s doctors — Dr. Shailesh Thakur and another physician — and me,” said Anil Joshi, Gavaskar’s long-time friend, according to the report.

"After being fully briefed on his condition, he instructed the CHAMPS Foundation to immediately begin financial and medical assistance,” he added.

What has happened to Vinod Kambli?

One of the greatest cricketers during his time, Kambli's health deteriorated recently. He was hospitalised several times for various health issues, including a urinary tract infection, electrolyte imbalance, and even brain clots. In one of viral videos, Kambli couldn't walk and had to be lifted by his friends. 

How did Vinod Kambli lost his wealth?

Kambli's lost his wealth due to several controversies related to drug use and drunk driving. He has a history of legal issues and his frequent visits to hospitals, drained him financially.  

Vinod Kambli's record for India

Having made his India debut in 1993, Kambli played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India. He also holds the record as one of the Indian batters to score consecutive double centuries in Tests. He had scored 1084 runs in Tests and 2477 runs in ODIs. Following his India retirement, Kambli got involved into drugs and alcohol. In fact, he has been into rehab for close to 15 times, according to several reports.

Notably, Kambli is the second former Indian cricketer to recieve a monthly assistance from Gavaskar’s CHAMPS Foundation. Legendary allrounder Salim Durani was the other Indian cricketer.