[Watch] Video of Sachin Tendulkar's heartwarming interaction with ailing childhood friend Vinod Kambli goes viral
A video of a heartwarming interaction between cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar and his childhood friend and former cricketer Vinod Kambli has gone viral on social media. The two had gathered for the unveiling of the memorial of their former coach Ramakant Achrekar in Mumbai on Tuesday, December 3.
Kambli (52) was in the news in August this year when a video of him looking extremely frail and struggling to walk went viral on social media. However, the former India cricketer later issued a clarification, claiming that the clip was outdated.
On Tuesday, Tendulkar met Kambli during the function organized in memory of their late coach Achrekar. The two were seen having a warm exchange even as Kambli appeared visibly ill. In the same clip, Kambli is seen placing a hand on Tendulkar's shoulder and head, expressing his deep affection for his childhood pal.
Earlier in the day, Tendulkar took to his official X handle and wrote:
"Today is a very special day as we pay tribute to someone who gave so much to cricket and my life."
Apart from Tendulkar and Kambli, other cricketers coached by Achrekar - Pravin Amre and Balwinder Singh Sandhu - were also present along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.
Vinod Kambli's cricket career derailed after a great start
During their school days, Kambli and Tendulkar made headlines as a batting pair when they featured in a 664-run partnership for Shardashram Vidyamandir against St Xavier’s High School (Fort) in the Harris Shield semi-final clash in Azad Maidan.
Both went on to play for India and made impressive starts to their international career. However, while Tendulkar went on to establish himself as one of the legends of the game, notching up 100 international centuries, Kambli faded away. While his talent was never in doubt, questions were constantly asked about his discipline and attitude.
Despite hammering back-to-back double hundreds very early in his career, the former left-hander only scored 1,084 runs in 17 Tests at an average of 54.20, with hundreds and three fifties. He was constantly in and out of the ODI team and ended up playing 104 matches, scoring 2,477 runs at a disappointing average of 32.59, with two centuries and 14 half-centuries.