Vinod Kambli Accepts Kapil Dev's Rehab Offer, Commits to Recovery for 15th Time: 'I'll Come Back'

Vinod Kambli has accepted the proposal from Kapil Dev and the 1983 World Cup-winning team and is now willing to enter rehab. Kapil and his teammates had offered to help Kambli get back on track, but only if he was willing to take the necessary steps and enter rehabilitation.

Kambli has openly welcomed the suggestion from his former teammate and stated that as long as his family is by his side, he fears nothing.

Kambli acknowledges that he needs all the support he can get. Although he is not struggling to make ends meet, his financial situation is in a poor state.

Having recently faced a health scare, Kambli revealed in 2022 that his only source of income is the Rs 30,000 per month pension from the BCCI. With two children to care for, Kambli, who has been to rehab 14 times before, is willing to try once more if it improves both his physical and financial condition.

"Bad," Kambli said when asked about his current financial situation.

"But the way my wife has handled everything, hats off to her. [Sunil] Gavaskar was the first to react (to Kapil Dev's offer). Sure, I have no hesitation (to enter rehab), because until I have my family with me, I'm not afraid of anything or anybody. I will complete it and return. I will come back," Kambli told Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel.

Kambli made headlines a couple of weeks ago when footage from the unveiling of Ramakant Achrekar's memorial showed him struggling, which led to speculation about his health.

It was later revealed that Kambli had encountered some trouble a month ago, but is now doing better. Within 48 hours, the Indian cricket community came together to support him, with Kapil Dev and his 1983 team leading the way.

Ajay Jadeja visited Kambli, and Abey Kuruvilla has been in contact with him.

The 1983 World Cup squad wasn't the only group to reach out to Kambli. His close friend and former India teammate Ajay Jadeja also visited him recently, encouraging him to recover. Kambli is confident that, if necessary, the BCCI will also step in to assist him. Earlier this year, the board allocated ₹1 crore for the treatment of Anshuman Gaekwad.

"Jadeja is a very good friend of mine. He came to meet me and said, 'Come on, get up.' A lot of people have called me lately. Everyone saw me," Kambli added. "Definitely, they [BCCI] will help. Abey Kuruvilla (former India pacer) is with BCCI, he is in touch with me, and he is also in touch with my wife."

Kambli has no hesitation in admitting that excessive drinking led him into trouble initially but has confirmed that he has not consumed any alcohol recently. This was also verified by his friend and former First-Class umpire Marcus Couto.

"No, no. I had stopped drinking and smoking six months ago. I did it for the sake of my kids. I used to do it earlier, but I've left it behind now," Kambli said.