Jobaaj Stories
In a heartwarming tribute to their legendary coach, Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar, Indian cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli reunited on Tuesday to unveil a memorial in his honor at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai. The ceremony, attended by several notable figures, marked a moment of nostalgia for both cricketers, who were coached by Achrekar during their childhood days.
In a touching video shared by Shivaji Park Gymkhana, Tendulkar was seen walking up to Kambli to greet him. The two, once inseparable teammates at Shardashram Vidyamandir, embraced each other warmly, reflecting on their shared cricketing journey under Achrekar’s guidance. The duo famously made headlines with their record-breaking 664-run partnership in the Harris Shield, where both scored unbeaten triple centuries.
Meanwhile, a viral video captured Kambli, now 52, singing a Bollywood classic from the movie Pyaasa, sparking a wave of emotions among fans. The video, which has since gone viral, showcases Kambli in a reflective moment, sparking mixed reactions on social media. A post on X (formerly Twitter) accompanied by the video reads, "Vinod Kambli is just 52, but he has aged beyond his years. It's sad to see his situation and the self-damage he inflicted. A warning for current and upcoming cricketers."
Here is the video:
Vinod Kambli is just 52 but he has aged beyond his years. It's sad to see his situation and the self-damage he inflicted. 😞
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) December 3, 2024
A warning for current and upcoming cricketers. pic.twitter.com/dV7WGcF2zx
A fan’s comment on the video summed up the feelings of many: “Lost touch for decades after he vanished from cricket, and now I see him—a shadow of who he once was. The decline is staggering. Is this life’s justice? Or, as some might say… Karma at work?”
Another user wrote, “Yes, very sad. He was considered by many in Mumbai more talented than Sachin in his early days. But the inability to handle fame and money caused him to lose focus on the game. With IPL contracts bringing more money, we may see many Kamblis."
During the event, the unveiling ceremony was graced by a number of cricketing personalities, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, former India coach Sanjay Bangar, and 1983 World Cup-winning player Balwinder Singh Sandhu, among others.
Kambli, known for his flamboyant style and maverick approach to the game, continues to be remembered for his contributions to Indian cricket. With over 100 appearances in Indian One Day Internationals (ODIs), a career-best score of 262 in First-Class cricket, and nearly 6,500 runs in List A games, Kambli’s legacy remains etched in Indian cricket history.
The event was not just a tribute to Achrekar but also a reflection on the paths taken by two of India's most celebrated cricketing prodigies.
