Vinod Kambli, recovering from health scare, honoured at Wankhede Stadium’s 50th anniversary | Watch

Vinod Kambli, the former Indian cricketer, was recently honoured at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) 50th anniversary celebrations. The event, held on January 12, felicitated Kambli alongside cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and other stalwarts who have contributed to Mumbai’s rich cricketing legacy. Among the honourees were Sanjay Manjrekar, Wasim Jaffer, Raju Kulkarni, Chandrakant Pandit, Lalchand Rajput, Shobha Pandit, and Arundhati Ghosh.

During the ceremony, Vinod Kambli reflected on his memorable playing days at the iconic venue. “I smashed my first double hundred here against England and then went on to score many more hundreds in my career,” he said. Offering advice to aspiring cricketers, he added, “If anyone wants to play for India like me or Sachin (Tendulkar), then I would advise that you should keep working hard and never stop because that’s what Sachin and I did since our childhood days.” A video of Kambli at the event has since gone viral on social media.

Vinod Kambli health

Before the Wankhede Stadium ceremony, Kambli had been hospitalised in Thane. On December 21, he was admitted to the ICU due to health complications but was discharged on January 2. Although he appeared physically frail, he was in high spirits, posing for photographs with the hospital staff and even playing a short game of cricket. He was accompanied by his wife, Andrea Hewitt, who assisted him in walking into the stadium for the ceremony.

On January 19, Kambli celebrated his 53rd birthday at a hospital in Bhiwandi, Thane district, where he had gone for a routine health check-up. A viral video from the occasion showed an emotional Kambli thanking the hospital staff and his fans for their love and support. Surrounded by his wife, children, and hospital staff, he cut a birthday cake and received bouquets from the team. The heartwarming celebration was a testament to the affection and respect he continues to command.