MUMBAI: In what will come as a relief to fans of former India batsman Vinod Kambli , who has been battling serious health issues, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has stepped in to support him. TOI has learnt that Gavaskar’s CHAMPS Foundation — launched in 1999 to aid needy former international sportspersons — will provide Kambli, 53, with monthly assistance of Rs 30,000 for the rest of his life, starting from April 1. Additionally, the foundation will offer an annual Rs 3 lakh for his medical expenses.
Gavaskar met Kambli during the Wankhede Stadium’s 50th-anniversary celebration on Jan 11, a moment when Kambli emotionally touched Gavaskar’s feet — a gesture widely shared on social media. On Dec 21 last year, Kambli was hospitalised for two weeks following a urinary infection.
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Dr. Shailesh Thakur, director of Akruti Health City Hospital in Thane and a self-proclaimed ‘die-hard’ Kambli fan, provided critical care and treatment. In a video made by Kambli’s wife, Andrea Hewitt, the former lefthander is seen expressing gratitude: “Thank you to Sunil Gavaskar. Namaskar.”
“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.
After being fully briefed on his condition he instructed the CHAMPS Foundation to immediately begin financial and medical assistance,” said Anil Joshi, Gavaskar’s long-time friend and former Nirlon teammate. Kambli, who played 17 Tests — hitting two consecutive double centuries — and 104 ODIs for India, once held immense promise. He is the second former India cricketer to receive assistance from Gavaskar’s CHAMPS Foundation, following legendary allrounder Salim Durani . Kambli’s struggles with poor health came into public eye last year through two concerning videos.
In one, released in Aug, he was seen struggling to walk. In the second one, recorded in Dec, he was seen clutching the hand of Sachin Tendulkar , refusing to let go during a public reunion at the unveiling of a memorial for their mentor, Ramakant Achrekar, at Shivaji Park.
Gavaskar met Kambli during the Wankhede Stadium’s 50th-anniversary celebration on Jan 11, a moment when Kambli emotionally touched Gavaskar’s feet — a gesture widely shared on social media. On Dec 21 last year, Kambli was hospitalised for two weeks following a urinary infection.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Dr. Shailesh Thakur, director of Akruti Health City Hospital in Thane and a self-proclaimed ‘die-hard’ Kambli fan, provided critical care and treatment. In a video made by Kambli’s wife, Andrea Hewitt, the former lefthander is seen expressing gratitude: “Thank you to Sunil Gavaskar. Namaskar.”
“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.
After being fully briefed on his condition he instructed the CHAMPS Foundation to immediately begin financial and medical assistance,” said Anil Joshi, Gavaskar’s long-time friend and former Nirlon teammate. Kambli, who played 17 Tests — hitting two consecutive double centuries — and 104 ODIs for India, once held immense promise. He is the second former India cricketer to receive assistance from Gavaskar’s CHAMPS Foundation, following legendary allrounder Salim Durani . Kambli’s struggles with poor health came into public eye last year through two concerning videos.
In one, released in Aug, he was seen struggling to walk. In the second one, recorded in Dec, he was seen clutching the hand of Sachin Tendulkar , refusing to let go during a public reunion at the unveiling of a memorial for their mentor, Ramakant Achrekar, at Shivaji Park.
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